Not to get ahead of events here, but...

[TN al]

...I saw a list of potential successors to the pope. One of them was from Mexico. Since John Paul was from a communist country and became pope during a time that, some would say, the communist leaders needed to be put in their place, would a Mexican pope be indicative of the thought that America needs to be put in her place?

[Mizmoon]

1. I think the new pope will be a white firstworlder

There has been talk of a 3rd world pope. Won't happen - here's why:

The 3rd world is curently the most devout - it's the whites who once brought them Christianity who need to be "propped up". Most new priests are Indian or African or Hispanic - few Britons or Americans or Canadians become priests (or nuns) anymore. The Vatican will want a white, 1st world pope to help lure back the dwindling Body.

That's my prediction.

[Meldread]

2. I am inclined to agree.

It is hard for me to imagine, as someone who grew up in the south and in an area where Catholics are a minority (mostly Baptists here), that the white folk will rally behind a Black or Latino Pope.

The Catholic Church, from my understanding, has always been one to try and hold onto power. I don't know how it would play out across other countries but here in America, and especially in the South, I don't think it'll go over too well. People won't talk about it openly, but I think more than a few whites would resent there being a Black Pope (Catholic or not).

On the other hand, anything can happen. They might want to play to their base. Of course, they may want to elect an American Pope to try and use that to their advantage -- to try and influence our Politics even more than they currently do. That is certainly a possibility especially considering how the Radical Religious Right has such a firm grip on the Republican Party. Give 'em an American Pope (because the Radical Right tends to hate Foreigners), and they might gain fanatical, loyal converts, and be able to influence American Politics (and through America the world).

Who knows? I wouldn't take any offers off the table. There are advantages and disadvantages. Not to mention when it comes to issues like Religion anything is possible.