Next Pope After Benedict...

[Simfan34]

I feel like we aren't going to have another Italian pope for centuries.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I feel like we aren't going to have another Italian pope for centuries.

I wouldn't mind another Italian pope, but you're probably right.  Of course, my church would not be pleased with me discussing this, especially since it views the pope and the Catholic Church as the Antichrist.

[Tokugawa Sexgod Ieyasu]

You're not supposed to discuss popes or Catholicism at all? That seems counterproductive.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

You're not supposed to discuss popes or Catholicism at all? That seems counterproductive.

It you learn something about them, one might come to the conclusion that popes are human beings instead of devils.

[Tokugawa Sexgod Ieyasu]

You're not supposed to discuss popes or Catholicism at all? That seems counterproductive.

It you learn something about them, one might come to the conclusion that popes are human beings instead of devils.

I've heard Benedict's a cat person.

[DemPGH]

You're not supposed to discuss popes or Catholicism at all? That seems counterproductive.

It you learn something about them, one might come to the conclusion that popes are human beings instead of devils.

Or maybe. Haha, totally agree that no topic should be forbidden, and that popes these days are a bit on the mild side. But I think among others Pope Innocent VIII resembles that.

Among his accomplishments: Installation of Torquemada, the blessing of the Inquisition, the blessing of the Malleus Maleficarum (a torture manual) - and oh, he was a slaver too, the idea being to bring as many to Christianity as possible, so slaves were good for these purposes. I've read that there were what would amount to gang fights in the streets between rivals when he was chosen as pope. That would make an interesting movie. I wish Scorsese would do it.

But I realize we're supposed to pretend none of this happened, or that it is greatly exaggerated, or that it happened in "barbaric times," but it does remain a trifling to modest blemish, IMO, that time has not done well to fade.

[Tokugawa Sexgod Ieyasu]

You're not supposed to discuss popes or Catholicism at all? That seems counterproductive.

It you learn something about them, one might come to the conclusion that popes are human beings instead of devils.

Or maybe. Haha, totally agree that no topic should be forbidden, and that popes these days are a bit on the mild side. But I think among others Pope Innocent VIII resembles that.

Among his accomplishments: Installation of Torquemada, the blessing of the Inquisition, the blessing of the Malleus Maleficarum (a torture manual) - and oh, he was a slaver too, the idea being to bring as many to Christianity as possible, so slaves were good for these purposes. I've read that there were what would amount to gang fights in the streets between rivals when he was chosen as pope. That would make an interesting movie. I wish Scorsese would do it.

But I realize we're supposed to pretend none of this happened, or that it is greatly exaggerated, or that it happened in "barbaric times," but it does remain a trifling to modest blemish, IMO, that time has not done well to fade.

'Innocent' as a papal name always seems kind of sketchy. Yes, Innocent VIII was almost uniquely horrible, and, as you said, was recognized as such by many people even at the time. I would submit him, Benedict IX, and Alexander VI as almost indelible stains on the papacy (and it takes a lot for me to say that, given the immensity of the timescales compared to most countries and offices). Maybe the popes of the Pornocracy era as well.

[Nhoj]

You're not supposed to discuss popes or Catholicism at all? That seems counterproductive.

Knowing several adventists they are perfectly allowed to talk about the popes and Catholicism, they might be rather conspiracy minded about it well doing so. But its certainly not forbidden.

[Paleobrazilian]

Here's what I personally expect:

1- No older than 70 years old.
2- Someone who has been a cardinal for at least 2 years (I don't think someone made cardinal in the 2012 consistories will be elected).
3- Someone who has not spent the last few days/weeks campaigning.
4- Since a candidate will need 2/3 of the votes to be elected, compromise WILL be needed. Italians will be looking for a Italian Pope, but I think they'll be forced to compromise on that, as Third World candidates could block anyone they don't really like.

Thus, here are the ones I'd keep an eye on:

From the Curia:

Marc Ouellet (Canada) - Holds one of the most important positions at the Curia, and thanks to him some of those in the conclave became bishops back in the past. Would be a very intriguing choice, but many say he's not a great speaker.
Leonardo Sandri (Argentina) - Holds an important position at the Curia, around 70, from a strongly Catholic South-American country.
Peter Turkson (Ghana) - I don't expect him to be elected, as he's been talking too much about being available for the job. Maybe he really doesn't want to be the next Pope. You never know, though.
Raymond Leo Burke (USA) - This might surprise some, but I see him as a potential choice - a 64-year old cardinal who's responsible for the "Supreme Court" of the Vatican.
Jean-Louis Tauran (France) - A darkhorse. He's been a cardinal for almost a decade, and is currently the Cardinal Protodeacon - thus, if not elected, he'll deliver the Habemus Papam speech.
Antonio Cañizares Llovera (Spain) - He's one of those I see as a potential compromise candidate. Called "Little Ratzinger" for his views.

Archbishops:

Christoph Schönborn (Austria) - Some might see him as "too liberal", a strong candidate otherwise.
Odilo Scherer (Brazil) - Young, runs one of the largest archdioceses in the World (São Paulo), and comes from the country with the biggest number of Catholics in the planet.
Óscar A. R. Maradiaga (Honduras) - Strongly connected to Third World causes, has been the President of Caritas Internationalis, and the Vatican's spokesperson within the IMF and the World Bank.
Peter Erdo (Hungary) - I see him as a very strong compromise candidate. A few years ago, he was mentioned a lot as a candidate, but the hype around him has diminished a little bit. He's just 60, and comes from a country that remains mostly Catholic despite the communist regime. He's also the President of Europe's Bishop Conference, and has avoided gaffes through his career so far. Basically, some circumstances remind a lot those present when John Paul II was elected.
Angelo Scola (Italy) - Many see him as the safe choice. Just over 70, I expect him to get a few votes from his Italian peers in the 1st two ballots, then steadily decline as the cardinals look for a compromise candidate.
Crescenzio Sepe (Italy) - Could be the compromise candidate from Italy.
Angelo Bagnasco (Italy) - Like Sepe, could emerge as a compromise candidate over Scola.
Norberto Rivera Carrera (Mexico) - Reminds Cardinal Maradiaga a lot. He comes from a Catholic powerhouse and hasn't been shy talking about Mexican politics.
Kurt Koch (Switzerland) - A darkhorse.

[7,052,770]

How are Turkson and Arinze on economic issues?  Are they essentially socialists?

[retromike22]

I would really, really like it if Peter Turkson become Pope, and named himself.... Marcellus III.

[Paleobrazilian]

Arinze is 80 years old already, so he cannot vote at the conclave, and for those reasons should get no vote at all from the electors.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Arinze is 80 years old already, so he cannot vote at the conclave, and for those reasons should get no vote at all from the electors.

If the conclave finds itself deadlocked they might go with him as a short term symbolic pope, but I agree that it is unlikely, and that if Arinze were elected Turkson will never be pope.

[Blue3]

Peter Turkson just said the pedophile abuse is caused by homosexuality, so...

[Frodo]

Here's what I personally expect:

1- No older than 70 years old.
2- Someone who has been a cardinal for at least 2 years (I don't think someone made cardinal in the 2012 consistories will be elected).
3- Someone who has not spent the last few days/weeks campaigning.
4- Since a candidate will need 2/3 of the votes to be elected, compromise WILL be needed. Italians will be looking for a Italian Pope, but I think they'll be forced to compromise on that, as Third World candidates could block anyone they don't really like.

Thus, here are the ones I'd keep an eye on:

From the Curia:

Marc Ouellet (Canada) - Holds one of the most important positions at the Curia, and thanks to him some of those in the conclave became bishops back in the past. Would be a very intriguing choice, but many say he's not a great speaker.
Leonardo Sandri (Argentina) - Holds an important position at the Curia, around 70, from a strongly Catholic South-American country.
Peter Turkson (Ghana) - I don't expect him to be elected, as he's been talking too much about being available for the job. Maybe he really doesn't want to be the next Pope. You never know, though.
Raymond Leo Burke (USA) - This might surprise some, but I see him as a potential choice - a 64-year old cardinal who's responsible for the "Supreme Court" of the Vatican.
Jean-Louis Tauran (France) - A darkhorse. He's been a cardinal for almost a decade, and is currently the Cardinal Protodeacon - thus, if not elected, he'll deliver the Habemus Papam speech.
Antonio Cañizares Llovera (Spain) - He's one of those I see as a potential compromise candidate. Called "Little Ratzinger" for his views.

Archbishops:

Christoph Schönborn (Austria) - Some might see him as "too liberal", a strong candidate otherwise.
Odilo Scherer (Brazil) - Young, runs one of the largest archdioceses in the World (São Paulo), and comes from the country with the biggest number of Catholics in the planet.
Óscar A. R. Maradiaga (Honduras) - Strongly connected to Third World causes, has been the President of Caritas Internationalis, and the Vatican's spokesperson within the IMF and the World Bank.
Peter Erdo (Hungary) - I see him as a very strong compromise candidate. A few years ago, he was mentioned a lot as a candidate, but the hype around him has diminished a little bit. He's just 60, and comes from a country that remains mostly Catholic despite the communist regime. He's also the President of Europe's Bishop Conference, and has avoided gaffes through his career so far. Basically, some circumstances remind a lot those present when John Paul II was elected.
Angelo Scola (Italy) - Many see him as the safe choice. Just over 70, I expect him to get a few votes from his Italian peers in the 1st two ballots, then steadily decline as the cardinals look for a compromise candidate.
Crescenzio Sepe (Italy) - Could be the compromise candidate from Italy.
Angelo Bagnasco (Italy) - Like Sepe, could emerge as a compromise candidate over Scola.
Norberto Rivera Carrera (Mexico) - Reminds Cardinal Maradiaga a lot. He comes from a Catholic powerhouse and hasn't been shy talking about Mexican politics.
Kurt Koch (Switzerland) - A darkhorse.

In your opinion, which of these candidates is most likely to reform the Papacy, give it new missionary zeal, and purge it of the pedophile priests that have plagued it? 

[ShadowRocket]

Right now, I'm betting on it being either Ouellet, Turkson, or Scola. And among those three, I'm betting on Ouellet.

[7,052,770]

At first glance, Schönborn, Erdo, Tagle and maybe Turkson appear to be only acceptable major candidates, although I fully admit that Ratzinger was nowhere near as bad as he seemed like he would be.

Over half of the papabilli are complete assholes, though, and seem like they want to set the Church back hundreds of years.  I'm one of millions of Catholics that may be permanently turned away from the Church, depending on who the conclave picks.

[Tokugawa Sexgod Ieyasu]

Harry, I'm not contesting that they very well may be, but what exactly is it that is wrong with Scola and Ravasi that makes them worse than Turkson?

[7,052,770]

Harry, I'm not contesting that they very well may be, but what exactly is it that is wrong with Scola and Ravasi that makes them worse than Turkson?

Maybe this is naive of me, but apparently all of the gays in Africa just stay in the closet and Turkson may legitimately not realize how abhorrent his statements are.  Europeans should know better.
Granted, it is something that makes me uncomfortable with him, but at least Turkson seems to be much farther to the left than the typical cardinal on non-sex-related issues, especially economic ones.
I think the symbolism of picking an African would be good for the church's image, and since Arinze is a bigger asshole than Timothy Dolan, that really just leaves Turkson (unless there's someone else I haven't heard of)

[DC Al Fine]

At first glance, Schönborn, Erdo, Tagle and maybe Turkson appear to be only acceptable major candidates, although I fully admit that Ratzinger was nowhere near as bad as he seemed like he would be.

Over half of the papabilli are complete assholes, though, and seem like they want to set the Church back hundreds of years.  I'm one of millions of Catholics that may be permanently turned away from the Church, depending on who the conclave picks.

Out of curiosity, when you say you might be "permanently turned away from the Church" if the conclave chooses poorly, do you mean turn away as in leaving Christianity or do you mean leaving Catholicism for some liberal Protestant church?

[7,052,770]

At first glance, Schönborn, Erdo, Tagle and maybe Turkson appear to be only acceptable major candidates, although I fully admit that Ratzinger was nowhere near as bad as he seemed like he would be.

Over half of the papabilli are complete assholes, though, and seem like they want to set the Church back hundreds of years.  I'm one of millions of Catholics that may be permanently turned away from the Church, depending on who the conclave picks.

Out of curiosity, when you say you might be "permanently turned away from the Church" if the conclave chooses poorly, do you mean turn away as in leaving Christianity or do you mean leaving Catholicism for some liberal Protestant church?

I won't be leaving anything.  If the conclave elects some out-of-touch asinine hatemonger to be pope, then it's clear that the Church has left me (and tens of millions of others).

[Paleobrazilian]

Here's what I personally expect:

1- No older than 70 years old.
2- Someone who has been a cardinal for at least 2 years (I don't think someone made cardinal in the 2012 consistories will be elected).
3- Someone who has not spent the last few days/weeks campaigning.
4- Since a candidate will need 2/3 of the votes to be elected, compromise WILL be needed. Italians will be looking for a Italian Pope, but I think they'll be forced to compromise on that, as Third World candidates could block anyone they don't really like.

Thus, here are the ones I'd keep an eye on:

From the Curia:

Marc Ouellet (Canada) - Holds one of the most important positions at the Curia, and thanks to him some of those in the conclave became bishops back in the past. Would be a very intriguing choice, but many say he's not a great speaker.
Leonardo Sandri (Argentina) - Holds an important position at the Curia, around 70, from a strongly Catholic South-American country.
Peter Turkson (Ghana) - I don't expect him to be elected, as he's been talking too much about being available for the job. Maybe he really doesn't want to be the next Pope. You never know, though.
Raymond Leo Burke (USA) - This might surprise some, but I see him as a potential choice - a 64-year old cardinal who's responsible for the "Supreme Court" of the Vatican.
Jean-Louis Tauran (France) - A darkhorse. He's been a cardinal for almost a decade, and is currently the Cardinal Protodeacon - thus, if not elected, he'll deliver the Habemus Papam speech.
Antonio Cañizares Llovera (Spain) - He's one of those I see as a potential compromise candidate. Called "Little Ratzinger" for his views.

Archbishops:

Christoph Schönborn (Austria) - Some might see him as "too liberal", a strong candidate otherwise.
Odilo Scherer (Brazil) - Young, runs one of the largest archdioceses in the World (São Paulo), and comes from the country with the biggest number of Catholics in the planet.
Óscar A. R. Maradiaga (Honduras) - Strongly connected to Third World causes, has been the President of Caritas Internationalis, and the Vatican's spokesperson within the IMF and the World Bank.
Peter Erdo (Hungary) - I see him as a very strong compromise candidate. A few years ago, he was mentioned a lot as a candidate, but the hype around him has diminished a little bit. He's just 60, and comes from a country that remains mostly Catholic despite the communist regime. He's also the President of Europe's Bishop Conference, and has avoided gaffes through his career so far. Basically, some circumstances remind a lot those present when John Paul II was elected.
Angelo Scola (Italy) - Many see him as the safe choice. Just over 70, I expect him to get a few votes from his Italian peers in the 1st two ballots, then steadily decline as the cardinals look for a compromise candidate.
Crescenzio Sepe (Italy) - Could be the compromise candidate from Italy.
Angelo Bagnasco (Italy) - Like Sepe, could emerge as a compromise candidate over Scola.
Norberto Rivera Carrera (Mexico) - Reminds Cardinal Maradiaga a lot. He comes from a Catholic powerhouse and hasn't been shy talking about Mexican politics.
Kurt Koch (Switzerland) - A darkhorse.

In your opinion, which of these candidates is most likely to reform the Papacy, give it new missionary zeal, and purge it of the pedophile priests that have plagued it? 

It has to be someone who's not a career curialist, someone who's been working inside the machine for the last 10+ years - those will not will deliver reform (in fact, those were the ones who made it impossible for Benedict XVI to introduce the necessary reforms and punish wrongdoers inside the church. For those reasons, I wouldn't touch a Cardinal-Bishop (specially Bertone), and some of the most senior Cardinal-Priests and Cardinal-Deacons.

Also, it has someone with more than the will to tackle the Vatican machine: he'll need political skills to replace basically all the Curia with outsiders. All Curia members automatically lose their job when there's a papal vacancy. Benedict XVI ended up keeping many John Paul II nominees, believing he could count on their experience to clean things up from the inside. In the end, that was a big mistake.

The best chance for real reform is someone from the outside. A Cardinal-Priest who's been flying under the radar, an archbishop who's been running a large archdiocese. I really like Erdo and Scherer, I think they fit the bill quite well. Tagle and Dolan would be good picks, but I doubt they'll be elected because they've been cardinals for less than one year. Ouellet would be cool, but I don't know if he has the political skills.

[DC Al Fine]

At first glance, Schönborn, Erdo, Tagle and maybe Turkson appear to be only acceptable major candidates, although I fully admit that Ratzinger was nowhere near as bad as he seemed like he would be.

Over half of the papabilli are complete assholes, though, and seem like they want to set the Church back hundreds of years.  I'm one of millions of Catholics that may be permanently turned away from the Church, depending on who the conclave picks.

Out of curiosity, when you say you might be "permanently turned away from the Church" if the conclave chooses poorly, do you mean turn away as in leaving Christianity or do you mean leaving Catholicism for some liberal Protestant church?

I won't be leaving anything.  If the conclave elects some out-of-touch asinine hatemonger to be pope, then it's clear that the Church has left me (and tens of millions of others).

Given the glacial pace of change in the Catholic church, why would you describe a conservative Pope as the church leaving the people when it is clear that the people have changed much more rapidly in a very short period of time?

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

At first glance, Schönborn, Erdo, Tagle and maybe Turkson appear to be only acceptable major candidates, although I fully admit that Ratzinger was nowhere near as bad as he seemed like he would be.

Over half of the papabilli are complete assholes, though, and seem like they want to set the Church back hundreds of years.  I'm one of millions of Catholics that may be permanently turned away from the Church, depending on who the conclave picks.

Haven't you already basically de facto converted to Episcopalian anyway?

[MaxQue]

Here's what I personally expect:

1- No older than 70 years old.
2- Someone who has been a cardinal for at least 2 years (I don't think someone made cardinal in the 2012 consistories will be elected).
3- Someone who has not spent the last few days/weeks campaigning.
4- Since a candidate will need 2/3 of the votes to be elected, compromise WILL be needed. Italians will be looking for a Italian Pope, but I think they'll be forced to compromise on that, as Third World candidates could block anyone they don't really like.

Thus, here are the ones I'd keep an eye on:

From the Curia:

Marc Ouellet (Canada) - Holds one of the most important positions at the Curia, and thanks to him some of those in the conclave became bishops back in the past. Would be a very intriguing choice, but many say he's not a great speaker.
Leonardo Sandri (Argentina) - Holds an important position at the Curia, around 70, from a strongly Catholic South-American country.
Peter Turkson (Ghana) - I don't expect him to be elected, as he's been talking too much about being available for the job. Maybe he really doesn't want to be the next Pope. You never know, though.
Raymond Leo Burke (USA) - This might surprise some, but I see him as a potential choice - a 64-year old cardinal who's responsible for the "Supreme Court" of the Vatican.
Jean-Louis Tauran (France) - A darkhorse. He's been a cardinal for almost a decade, and is currently the Cardinal Protodeacon - thus, if not elected, he'll deliver the Habemus Papam speech.
Antonio Cañizares Llovera (Spain) - He's one of those I see as a potential compromise candidate. Called "Little Ratzinger" for his views.

Archbishops:

Christoph Schönborn (Austria) - Some might see him as "too liberal", a strong candidate otherwise.
Odilo Scherer (Brazil) - Young, runs one of the largest archdioceses in the World (São Paulo), and comes from the country with the biggest number of Catholics in the planet.
Óscar A. R. Maradiaga (Honduras) - Strongly connected to Third World causes, has been the President of Caritas Internationalis, and the Vatican's spokesperson within the IMF and the World Bank.
Peter Erdo (Hungary) - I see him as a very strong compromise candidate. A few years ago, he was mentioned a lot as a candidate, but the hype around him has diminished a little bit. He's just 60, and comes from a country that remains mostly Catholic despite the communist regime. He's also the President of Europe's Bishop Conference, and has avoided gaffes through his career so far. Basically, some circumstances remind a lot those present when John Paul II was elected.
Angelo Scola (Italy) - Many see him as the safe choice. Just over 70, I expect him to get a few votes from his Italian peers in the 1st two ballots, then steadily decline as the cardinals look for a compromise candidate.
Crescenzio Sepe (Italy) - Could be the compromise candidate from Italy.
Angelo Bagnasco (Italy) - Like Sepe, could emerge as a compromise candidate over Scola.
Norberto Rivera Carrera (Mexico) - Reminds Cardinal Maradiaga a lot. He comes from a Catholic powerhouse and hasn't been shy talking about Mexican politics.
Kurt Koch (Switzerland) - A darkhorse.

In your opinion, which of these candidates is most likely to reform the Papacy, give it new missionary zeal, and purge it of the pedophile priests that have plagued it? 

It has to be someone who's not a career curialist, someone who's been working inside the machine for the last 10+ years - those will not will deliver reform (in fact, those were the ones who made it impossible for Benedict XVI to introduce the necessary reforms and punish wrongdoers inside the church. For those reasons, I wouldn't touch a Cardinal-Bishop (specially Bertone), and some of the most senior Cardinal-Priests and Cardinal-Deacons.

Also, it has someone with more than the will to tackle the Vatican machine: he'll need political skills to replace basically all the Curia with outsiders. All Curia members automatically lose their job when there's a papal vacancy. Benedict XVI ended up keeping many John Paul II nominees, believing he could count on their experience to clean things up from the inside. In the end, that was a big mistake.

The best chance for real reform is someone from the outside. A Cardinal-Priest who's been flying under the radar, an archbishop who's been running a large archdiocese. I really like Erdo and Scherer, I think they fit the bill quite well. Tagle and Dolan would be good picks, but I doubt they'll be elected because they've been cardinals for less than one year. Ouellet would be cool, but I don't know if he has the political skills.

About the political skills of Ouellet, he got pretty much hated in his archdiocese and had terrible approvals and was despised by most Quebekers (which is a very secular society), but, that may have been his goal.

Be hated enough so he is moved into Vatican and getting strong conservative creditentials among cardinals.