Papal Conclave - 2007 Info Center

[12th Doctor]

Sounds good, I don't think I can be very active at this time anyway. I look forward to playing in the future.

Glad to hear it.

[12th Doctor]

Time Magazine - April 30th, 2007

The unexpected death of Pope Benedict XVI has left many questions leading into next week about who will replace him.  While technically, any adult Catholic male can be elected pope, for the past few centuries, the choice has remained amounst Roman Catholic Bishops and members of the Sacred College of Cardinals.  Time magazine asked 50 insiders, observers and Vaticanologists to name 10 people they thought most likely to be the next Pope; a list of people known in Catholic circles as the papabili.  We have listed for you the 15 most mentioned, loosely in the order of number of votes.

Player: Bullmoose
Character: Henry David Cardinal Hume   Age: 71
Position: Cardinal Secretary of State (former Archbishop of Westminster)
Nationality: English

As the primary assistant to Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Hume should be high on the list of Cardinals being considered papabili.  Though considered to be more liberal than Benedict on many matters of the faith, his strong rhetoric supporting the need for a restoration of Christianity in Europe and his promotion of individual morality easily endeared him to the late Pope.  As the former Editor-in-Chief of L'Osservatore Romano (The official Vatican newspaper) and the former Archbishop of Westminster, it would seem that Hume has experience in communicating the a message.  Hume should provide a choice in the opening rounds for those who want someone “safe”.

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Player: Verin
Character: Alexander Cardinal Cheng, OSB (Faction Leader)   Age: 72
Position: Prefect of Catholic Education (former Archbishop of Baltimore), Vice-Dean College of Cardinals
Nationality: American

Perhaps the most orthodox of those still considered papabili, Cheng is also the only serious American candidate in the conclave.  Born to a family of Chinese immigrants who fled to escape the Japanese invasion of their native land, Cheng certainly has a compelling personal story.  Not even a Christian until college, Cheng claims to have “found Christ” while rooming with a Catholic friend in college.  Not one to do things halfway, Cheng joined the Benedictine Order after college, a group known for its strict adherence to Catholic Doctrine.  Like most in his Order, Cheng decided to devote his life to Catholic Education, eventually being appointed Archbishop of Baltimore, placing him in charge of the leading Catholic Seminary in North America.  His exemplary service as Archbishop and his amazing ability to produce well-educated, committed priests eventually led to his appointment by John Paul II as the Prefect of Catholic Education at the Vatican, the man globally responsible for all seminary teachings and activities.  His rank and experience make him the obvious base around which the other Benedictine Cardinals will rally and many of his positions will make him popular with Cardinals with links to Opus Dei.

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Player: J.J.
Character: Eugen Cardinal von Frick, OP   Age: 74
Position: President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (former Bishop of Aachen)
Nationality: German

While it might seem redundant to say that any member of the Roman Curia has had a “long and distinguished career,” Cardinal von Frick is certainly no exception.  Having joined the Dominican Order after graduating summa cum laude from major seminary in Rome the young von Frick’s brilliance and potential were immediately recognized by Vatican officials close to Pius XII.  He earned a Th. D. after ordination.  He was brought into the Papal Household as a protonotarii apostolici de numero participantium, by John XXIII in 1959.  He became a junior envoy with the diplomatic service after the election of Paul VI.  In 1967, he was named Bishop of Aachen, a post that he held until 1981.

Quiet, thoughtful, scholarly, diplomatic and generally open-minded, von Frick, was sent as an envoy to Washington, DC in 1981, where he helped negotiate the recognition of Vatican City by the United States (1984), and later served Vatican ambassador (Papal Nuncio) to West Germany, France, Great Britain, the United States, Mexico and then finally ending up in the Soviet Union (known for being the most difficult post at that time) before being moved back to the Vatican by John Paul II, in 1991, to serve first as Vice-President, and then President of Christian Unity (1999). 

While Bishop of Aachen, he and a Lutheran Bishop wrote columes in each other's newsletters.  He was created Cardinal deacon of Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli in 1985.

While in Washington, von Frick earned a Ph. D. in medieval history at Georgetown University.  One of his joys was serving as a guest lecturer there on several occasions in the early 2000's.

Von Frick has published five separate scholarly books of his own, notably one on the influence of the St. Jillian and the Anchorites on English society, and The Challenge of St. Catherine of Siena, a definitive biography, and several dozen scholarly articles in Catholic magazines, and is well known for being marginally traditional on most points of Catholic doctrine; he is a strong advocate of the importance of the sacraments, though many of the Cardinals have sighted him for having a slightly “Protestant” and “new-era” bent.  Is known to view "liberation theology" with distaste.  Unlikely to garner the votes of many traditionalists, he still would seem to provide an attractive choice for Cardinals who are looking for a good compromise candidate who is unlikely to reign very long.

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Player: Yates
Character:  David Cardinal Yates   Age: 66
Position: President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (former Bishop of Kimberley)
Nationality: South African

Cardinal Yates in widely considered to be to the only serious native African candidate for this conclave.  Quite and reserved, Yates has made a career of working behind the scenes to aggressively promote a sense of commonality and brotherhood for all humankind.  A late comer to the Catholic priesthood, Yates was not ordained until the age of 32.  As a priest, he worked with local black and white leaders in hopes of bridging the gap between the two groups.  His efforts in this role proved to be rather successful and his efforts in this area and deeply spiritual nature lead to his fast rise through the ranks, being ordained Bishop of Kimberly by the age of 43.  In this role he moved to promote an ending apartheid through non-violent means and was effective in discouraging backlash against whites when the system collapsed.  Recognizing his exemplary commitment and skill, John Paul II appointed him as head of the African division of Peace and Justice, soon there after, and it was not long before Yates advanced to his current post.  “God made each of us in His image,” says Yates, “no other distinctions truly matter.”

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Player: King Bacon
Character: Hans Cardinal Meier   Age: 63
Position: President of the Pontifical Council for the Family (former Bishop of Innsbruck)
Nationality: Austrian

Personable and generally well-liked by those who know him personally, Meier has, none-the-less had many opportunities to make enemies over the years.  As the head of the Council for the Family, he has vigorously defended “traditional” families, abstinence to solve the HIV/AIDS problem in Africa and the conservative Catholic line against any use of contraceptives; the last two making him somewhat unpopular with a number of African and liberal Cardinals.  A traditionalist on most issues, Meier is known more for public statements than any serious scholarly work.  As Bishop of Innsbruck, Meier worked hard to promoted abstinence for teens in diocesan schools.  Though the results are disputed, surveys amongst the students showed some success.  This, combined with his close personal relationship with Benedict XVI, led to his appointment as President of Family in 2005 (he had been a lower ranking member for some years previous).  While he hasn’t held this role for long, he has still managed to be visible, and controversial.

[12th Doctor]

Player: Jtfdem
Character:  Antony Cardinal Miller   Age: 76
Position: Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland
Nationality: Irish

There are hard jobs and then there is being a religious leader in Northern Ireland.  Given the circumstances, Cardinal Miller has excelled in this role.  Growing up as a young Catholic boy in Belfast, Miller witnessed first his older brother’s death at the hands of a Protestant gang and then his younger brother’s life-imprisonment for the murder of two Protestant girls.  Rather than join into the circle of hatred, Miller determined, from a young age, that no matter what his course in life, he would devote himself to ending the cycle of violence.  He sought to make good on this promise early on.  Assigned to a parish in the heart of Belfast, Miller worked to organize co-denominational youth-groups with other local Catholic priests and Protestant ministers.  He encouraged “Christian” charity work that was blind to sects.  Miller used his parish newsletter and any local pulpit he could find to condemn individual acts of violence.  Finally, and most profoundly, when permitted, he attended and spoke at the funerals of Protestant victims of religious violence.  He continued all these practices as his pulpit and authority grew, first to Bishop of Down and Conner and then finally into his current post.  Aside from his record, Miller is likely to gain the votes of some of the Cardinals from heavily Irish areas who desire to see the first “Patrician” Pope.

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Player: Gabu
Character: Luka Cardinal Jergović   Age: 65
Position: Archbishop of Sarajevo
Nationality: Bosnian

Cardinal Jergović, the leading Slavic candidate, certainly has experience in leading through troubled waters.  Soft-spoken, spiritual and often described as “grandfatherly”, Jergović has never the less been a powerful voice against the violence that has gripped his native land.  “Respect for Human Rights can only begin,” he says, “when we can stop seeing one another in terms of ethnic group, religion or race and begin to see and respect our fellow man as a unique individual.”  His experience as a Bishop in Bosnia has also put him at odds with those who have strongly professed belief in the controversial supposed apparition at Medugorije.  This might put him at odds with more traditional Marian devotees.  On the whole, however, Jergović is known more for his personal warmth and character than for his positions and should be an attractive candidate for those who wish to recreate the magic of the last Slavic pope.

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Player: Keystone Phil
Character: Gianfranco Cardinal Antonelli   Age: 57
Position: Archbishop of Palermo
Nationality: Italian (Sicily)

Cardinal Antonelli, the youngest member of the conclave who can still be seriously considered papabili, is known primarily for his strong encouragement and personal involvement in charitable activities throughout his native Sicily.  Known for being somewhat moderate on most issues involving Catholic teaching and the structure of the Church itself, his conservative political views and outspoken nature might turn away more liberal Cardinals.  His sermons, often fiery and well-delivered, tend focus on the message that “to willingly do good is the essence of being Christian”.

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Player: Bono
Character: Guilherme Cardinal Ribeiro    Age: 61
Position: Patriarch of Lisbon
Nationality: Portugese

Often described as being “bookish”, “publicly awkward” and “somewhat withdrawn” what Ribeiro lacks in social grace, he more than makes up for in intellect.  As Patriarch of Lisbon, a position he admittedly requested due to the fact that its lack of official responsibility allowed him more time to do research, he has authored 13 separate books on subjects pertaining to the Church.  His three volume set on the application of the theories of St. Augustine (almost entirely original research) to modern theology is considered the definitive work on the subject.  Fluent in 16 languages, he may ironically be able to cross barriers of communication closed to most of the other Cardinals.  While he probably won’t receive many votes in the early ballots, his name has been mentioned in many corners as a possible compromise candidate, should the conclave drag on.

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Player: Jas
Character: Johannes Cardinal Cruijff   Age: 62
Position: Camerlengo of the Roman Church (former Papal Secretary)
Nationality: Dutch

Though a surprising choice to be mentioned among the papabili, Johannes Cardinal Cruijff might be exactly what a number of the Cardinals are looking for.  The only Cardinal on this list who never served as either a Bishop or Archbishop in any capacity (though he is currently a “Titular Bishop”), Cruijff instead began his career in the Vatican at the age of 28 as a member of the Papal Secretarial Staff.  Appointed to Camerlengo (Chamberlain) by Pope John Paul II in 1994, he has been at least somewhat involved in almost every act of the Vatican for the past 13 years; his time spent in this post and as a Papal secretary have presumably left him with a vast knowledge of the inner workings of the Church.  Though he has remained fairly low profile, Cardinal Cruijff has been described as a “humble, kind and deeply spiritual man”.  Pope John Paul II once said of him “(Cruijff) is the very embodiment of the idea of Christian service.  ‘The first shall be last and the last shall be first’”.

[12th Doctor]

Player: Colin
Character: Carlos Ortiz Augustine Cardinal de Palma     Age: 60
Position: Archbishop of San Jose de Costa Rica
Nationality: Costa Rican

A long shot in the grand-scheme, Cardinal de Palma none-the-less has attracted a strong and devoted following over the years.  One of the most outspoken Cardinals in the conclave, de Palma is known to be a strong defender of the rights of the poor, firmly against globalization, in favor of the strong Marian devotion; typical of much of Latin America, generally critical of Western power, a strong advocate of popular causes (such as Sainthood for the popular Archbishop Oscar Romero) and general promotion of charitable causes.  De Palma might receive support from some surprising corners.  As both a Latin American and one who insists on strong individual faith, he might be able to garner votes from Cardinals inclined to support the interests of Opus Dei.

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Player: Josh
 Character: Tristan Cardinal Vallençant II, SDB   Age: 67
Position: Archbishop of Lyon
Nationality: French

Cardinal Vallençant is the leading candidate from a French speaking country.  Quiet and reserved, Vallençant is not known as an intellectual.  None-the-less, he has an amazing ability to break down complex questions of faith into short statements that almost anyone can understand; a skill that has served him well for the last 15 years as the host of a weekly, Catholic youth oriented program, nationally televised in France, and replayed in Quebec.  His kindly demeanor and popularity have lead to nearly a generation of French Catholic children referring to him as “Grandpa Tristan”.  His membership in, and work with the Salesians of Don Bosco has also contributed to cementing his popularity with youth oriented Catholics.

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Player: Jake
Character: Jose Luiz Ignatius Cardinal de Andrade   Age: 64
Position: Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro
Nationality: Brazilian

Seen by many as Latin America’s answer to the more extreme Cardinal de Palma, Cardinal de Andrade could serve as a good choice for those who wish for a non-European Pope who is still in line with traditional Catholic teachings.  Known affectionately as “The Moped Cardinal” the sight of him buzzing around from parish-to-parish and neighborhood-to-neighborhood, usually alone and often times in full vestments, while a source of amusement and surprise to many visitors, has become second nature to locals.  He prides himself on being accessible to his parishioners, and his constant work with local charities has even further endeared him to Rio de Janeiro’s less fortunate.

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Player: Gustaf
Character: John Cardinal Lumbayo   Age: 63
Position: Archbishop of Kingston
Nationality: Jamaican

Cardinal Lumbayo might be exactly what the Cardinals in this conclave are looking for, even if they don’t know it yet.  One of only two serious black candidates, Lumbayo is an English speaking, non-European, highly placed Cardinal from a poorer county, and though not well known outside of the Caribbean, his polished speaking skills and popular appeal could quickly endear him to the Cardinal electors and make him a favorite in the later rounds.  Known for being fairly conservative, many Vaticanologists none-the-less see him being easily able to appeal to many disparate groups and factions within the voting body, provided he has no skeletons in his closet.  To say that he lacks popularity with a number of the Latin American bishops would be an understatement, however.  There are many murmurs concerning his favorable attitude towards the West, and it is rumored that Cardinal Santiago privately criticized him for being a “slave to European interests,” though Santiago has publicly denied this.  His views on non-Christian faiths are also of some concern to those who prefer a more conciliatory view towards other world religions.

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Player: Harry
Character: Rastin Cardinal Singh   Age: 74
Position: Archbishop of Mumbai (Bombay)
Nationality: Indian

Loud, unorthodox, but deeply involved in the community, Cardinal Singh has certainly made a name for himself in his native India.  Singh certainly has papabili lineage, despite his occasionally being at odds with upper level Church officials.  Born and raised in Calcutta, Singh gave this account to of his life to reporters in 1997.  “I was 24 years old.  I was terribly sick and hungry, having lost my job a month before and being forced to live on the streets.  One night, during a monsoon rainstorm, I was forced to take shelter in a hole covered over by a sheet of metal.  The hole began to fill with water, and I was too weak to pull myself out.  Thinking my life was over I began to cry out for help.  No one came.  Not being a Christian at the time, I began to curse the gods.  Just as I was about to give up, a hand reached out to me.  Like an angel she came and lifted me out of the hole to safety.  She took me in, fed and clothed me, and paid me to help out around the shelter.  She saved me.  It wasn’t until then that I began to truly live.”  The “she” he was discussing was none-other than the then recently deceased Mother Teresa.  It was during his work with Mother Teresa (which lasted until he was moved out of Calcutta in the late 1980’s) that Singh, previously Hindu, devoted himself to Christ, became a Catholic, and eventually (at the age of 31) a priest.  Singh should not be mistaken for beloved nun, on her way to sainthood, however, as their personal styles contrast wildly.  Singh is anything but meek and mild and this, combined with his strong liberal personal views could cause him significant problems with the more intellectually conservative Cardinals in the conclave.

There is an A List and a B List.  I am on the C List.
                                  - Karol Cardinal Wojtyła, 1978 upon being
                                    asked what he though of his chances

[12th Doctor]

The Roman Curia are the bureaucracy of the Vatican.  While not all of them are on the same level, some of them are very powerful in their own right.  None of the below are likely to be made Pope in their own right, but they will still have a profound impact on the direction of the Conclave.

Timothy Cardinal McCannon, SJ
President of Sacred Archeology

An American, as leader of the Vatican archeological efforts around the world, McCannon’s primary concerns are scholarship and continued good relations with other faiths.


Giovanni Cardinal Romano
Major Penitentiary, Protodeacon

As odd as it may seem, Romano is the Catholic Church’s head man when it comes to mercy.  As such, he is a very mild and spiritual man, and is like to expect the same from the leader of the Church.  Also, as the Protodeacon of the Catholic Church, save the unlikely event that he is elected Pope, he will be the one to make the Habemus Papam announcment.

Miguel Cardinal Hernandez
Prefect of Causes of Saints

A Mexican, Cardinal Hernandez is the man chiefly responsible for reveiwing applications for Sainthood.  He is a mild, scholarly man who is truely intersted in finding the "best man for the job" regardless of other factors.

Michele Cardinal Sepe, OSB
Prefect of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments

An Italian, Sepe is the top man in the Church when it comes to insuring the orthodoxy of Catholic worship.  As such, it should come as no surprise that he would favor a more conservative candidate in the Conclave.  He is said to have some politically liberal leanings, however.


Ennino Cardinal Bertone
Prefect of Bishops

Bertone is basically the top scout/general manager of the Catholic Church.  His primary job is to find the best people to be created bishops by the Pope.  Not much is known about his personal views, but he still commands considerable weight in this conclave, as many of the members of the College of Cardinals owe their positions to him in one way or another.  As a man who has an amazing eye for potential, he is the most likely to break from the other members of the conclave to favor a dark horse candidate.


Yohance Cardinal Adofo
Prefect of Evangelization of Peoples

A Nigerian by birth, Adofo’s primary job, for the last 5 years, has been to spread the Catholic faith, which making sure that its beliefs and forms are followed correctly.  This creates an interesting mix of liberal and conservative views on the faith.  Politically, he is fairly conservative.

Edi Cardinal Shah
President of the Pontifical Council of Culture

An Indian by birth, Shah’s job is very much the flip side of Cardinal Adofo’s.  As President of Culture, it is his job to promote understanding of different cultures to the Holy See, and determine how elements of Catholicism will be interpreted and should be implemented in the context of regional differences.  As such, Shah is a very open-minded man, with an interest in finding a like minded person to follow Benedict XVI to the papacy.


Irwin Cardinal Wildauer, OSB
Prefect of Apostolic Signatura

Unlike many of the other members of the Curia, Wildauer, a German, would rather not have a Pope who “reflected the interests” of his department.  Cardinal Wildauer is primarily in charge of settling administrative disputes in the Church, and he would like to keep it that way.  It is not an issue of authority.  Rather, he would simply like to see a Pope who is concerned with the larger picture who will leave the administering to the administrators.  As such, he is unlikely to vote for the member of the Curia, unless he sees they are less interested in being a guardian than reaching out to the global Church.

[12th Doctor]

Not all influences will come from the Vatican.  There are a number of Catholic Cardinals around the world who are recognized as the leaders of certain key groups or factions.  Vaticanologists, observers and other experts agree that these are the ones we should watch for.

Jesus Domingo Cardinal Santiago, SJ
Archbishop of Bogota

One of the leading liberal scholars of the conclave, Santiago is seen as one of the top proponents of many tenets of liberation theology in the Catholic Church.  Though not seen as the leader of the Jesuits (he is too radical and often at odds with Church authorities and even other Latin American Bishops), he is seen as being a power and respected figure amongst Cardinals from the Developing World.  Santiago is theological man, however, and might choose to throw his support behind a moderate intellectual candidate.



Jacob Cardinal O’Hara
Archbishop of Chicago and President of the ACCB

O’Hara is a deeply spiritual man, who is very popular with the laity in his diocese.  Deeply respected by most of the other North American Bishops could command considerable weight in the Conclave.  It is, however, unlikely to ascend to the Papacy himself due to his advanced age (only a week away from his 80th birthday at the time of the Benedict XVI’s death) and his national origin.  O’Hara, who was appointed a Cardinal by John Paul II in 1995, is known to be an admirer of his benefactor, largely due to his ability to “connection with the people”.  As President of the ACCB, he has steered the organization on a fairly moderate course.



Peter Cardinal Scherer
Archbishop of Hamburg

Scherer is a “smells and bells” Cardinal.  More religious than spiritual and highly outspoken, he is known to use his pulpit to speechify on the need for Orthodoxy, the declining state of morality in Europe and the need to protect Western Civilization.  Known to be heavily supported by the conservatives, particularly the Pope Pius X Society, he is the man around whom many of the Conservative Cardinals will likely rally.  He is one of the Cardinals most strongly in favor of “keeping the Papacy in Europe” and restoring Christianity in the West.



Rizal Cardinal Tagola, OFM
Archbishop of Manila

 
“Gentle as a flower, he has a mind like a Venus Flytrap,” is how Tagola, a Franciscan, was once described by a colleague.  Tagola, who is fluent in 7 different languages, is the recongnized leader of the Asian Cardinals.  Born to a very wealthy Filipino family, Tagola gave up the trappings of wealth and privilege for the robes and simple life of a monk.  Tagola, who happens to hold two BA’s, a masters degree in Theology and a Doctorate in Cannon Law, is far from being a “simple” man, however.  As a leader of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, he has spoken out strongly in favor of human unity and strongly condemned the “abhorrent” religious violence of his native land.  As the survivor of two assassination attempts by Islamic fanatics, the second one nearly taking his life and permanently robbing him of the use of his legs, Tagola is certainly an authority on the subject.  Though only 63 years of age, Tagola suffers from chronic heart problems and is thus, an unlikely choice for Pope in his own right, as many of the Cardinals are probably less than eager to repeat the mistakes of the Cardinals who elevated John Paul I to the Papacy.

[12th Doctor]

Marco Cardinal Medina, SDB
Archbishop of Toledo, Primate of All Spain

One of the more all-around progressive of the European Cardinals, Medina has been known to comment in the past that he feels it is time for the papacy to “expand beyond Europe”.  While officially the most powerful of the Spanish Cardinals, his relationship with many of the other bishops of the Iberian Peninsula have soured considerably since he took office in Toledo, and most of his popularity is actually seated within Latin America, where he remains a force with the New World bishops.  Still, if one is looking to forge a coalition between Old and New World, Medina’s support might be the nail needed to fuse the relationship.


Daniel Cardinal Bassman
Archbishop of Washington, D.C. and Vice-President of ACCB

Likely to soon replace the aging Cardinal O’Hara, Bassman advanced to the Vice-Presidency of the American Council of Catholic Bishops after serving 10 years as liturgical director of that organization.  While generally conservative on most matters of the faith, Bassman is a known supporter of devolution of Church powers and a supporter of “ecumenicalism”, putting more power in the hands of individual bishops and councils.  However, Bassman also believes that the Church is not ready to move forward just yet with a Pope who will be revolutionary in any direction, and is thus more likely to support a older Cardinal who will give the Church more time to “breath”.  Known for having a bit of an ego, he doesn’t mind having it stroked every once in a while.  Intellectual praise in always the most highly sought after.


Jorge Cardinal Ramos
Prelate of Opus Dei (former Bishop of Salta, Argentina)

As the representative of a group with very specific interests, Cardinal Ramos’ interests in this conclave are fairly easily anticipated.  Ramos will most likely be looking for a religiously and politically conservative Cardinal who believes strongly in bolstering the faith of the individual and seeking more activity for the laity.  Though not essential, Ramos would most likely be interested in seeing a Pope who has “the hands of a working man”.  Ramos himself is described as being an amiable man who brings an “uplifting” presence with him wherever he goes.


Angelo Cardinal Montini, SJ
Archbishop of Milan

Cardinal Montini is the oldest of the voting Cardinals from Italy, for that reason he commands a lot of respect from the Italian delegation.  As the senior Jesuit in the Conclave, he also commands considerable respect from those representing the interests of that group.  Despite being a fellow Italian he is known to have reservations about Cardinal Antonelli’s views and lack of experience.


Tadeusz Cardinal Szklar, CICM
Archbishop of Krakow

As the apostolic successor to Karol Cardinal Wojtyła and a brilliant scholar in his own right, Szklar is seen by many to be the leader of the Slavic cardinals.  Having studied under the then future pope as a young man, Szklar has often expressed dismay that John Paul II legacy as an intellectual is often forgotten.  His writings show him as being conservative on religious matters, but slightly to the left on some political issues.


Dia Cardinal Rudo, SJ
Archbishop of Abidjon (Cote d’Ivoire)

Cardinal Rudo was created a Cardinal by John Paul II in 1999 after some rather contentious debate within the Vatican, or so sources say.  The main reason for the debate centers around Rudo’s many, seemingly conflicting statements on condom use over the years.  Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Rudo is a popular figure amongst the African Cardinals.  His experience with Muslims in Africa has made him slightly intolerant of non-Christian faiths.

[12th Doctor]

This is a complete list of the remaining Cardinal electors.  Don’t worry, you won’t have to memorize it, it just makes a good reference point after the first few ballots.

European Cardinals

Antonio Cardinal Rezzonico
Archbishop of Naples

Wants an Italian
Likes outspoken men
Studied under Sepe

Lorenzo Cardinal Lambertinil, OP
Patriarch of Venice

Theologically moderate
Structurally conservative

Giulio Cardinal Altieri
Archbishop of Florence

Structurally Conservative
Wants an Italian

Carlo Cardinal Ganganelli, CICM
Archbishop of Turin

Wants a man of the people
Wants a globally minded Pope

Camillo Cardinal Braschi
Archbishop of Genoa

Wants an intellectual
Politcally Conservative

Luigi Cardinal Errigo, SBD
Archbishop of Bologna

Structurally conservative
Politically liberal
 Leo Cardinal Caprelli
Vicar General of Rome

Wants a man of the people
Wants an Italian, but not too adamant

Johan Cardinal Huber
Archbishop of Cologne

Wants an outspoken man of the people
Favors the reforms of Vatican II

Rudolf Cardinal Robidzer
Archbishop of Munich

Politically moderate
Studied under Cardinal von Frick

Hermann Cardinal Schöntag
Archbishop of Berlin

Favors Vatican II reforms
Wants a Central European

Detlef Cardinal Schuler, OSB
Archbishop of Freiberg

Wants an intellectual
Not very interested in politics

Elian Cardinal Reyes
Archbishop of Seville

Wants a globally minded Pope
Theologically conservative
Dislikes Cardinal Medina

Juan Cardinal Diaz
Archbishop of Barcelona

Respects Ribeiro, but has never met him in person
Theologically conservative

Oscar Cardinal Soto
Archbishop of Toledo

Wants someone from a Spanish/Portuguese speaking country
Wants someone who can connect well with the people

Lucio Cardinal Cruz, SDB
Archbishop of Zaragoza, Spain

Favors an outspoken person
Wants a European

Mateo Cardinal Herrera, OP
Archbishop of Granada, Spain

Favors and intellectual person
Theologically moderate

Bernard Cardinal Pascal, OP
Archbishop of Paris

Across the board moderate
Wants an intellectual person

Paul-Henri Cardinal Boulanger
Archbishop of Marseille

Wants someone who is personable and spiritual
Favors Vatican II reforms

Robert Cardinal Alexandre, OSB
Archbishop of Toulouse

Wants to reverse some of the Vatican II reforms
Politically moderate

Juliusz Cardinal Gardocki
Archbishop of Warsaw

Wants an Eastern European pope
Theologically moderate

Robert Cardinal Howard, OSB
Archbishop of Westminster

Theologically liberal
Wants a Pope who can connect with the people
Worked with Cardinal Lumbayo

Ansen Cardinal MacMillian
Archbishop of Edinburgh

Favors a Celtic Cardinal
Politically moderate

Aron Cardinal Papp
Archbishop of Budapest

Theologically conservative
Favors Vatican II reforms

Konrad Cardinal Balla
Archbishop of Eger, Hungary

Globally minded
Politically liberal

Alexander Timoshchenko
Archbishop of Kiev

Favors a quite intellectual
Theologically moderate

Darko Cardinal Minerić
Archbishop of Zagreb

Theologically moderate
Politically moderate

Leonas Cardinal Adamkus
Archbishop of Vilnius

Favors an intellectual
Theologically moderate

Edward Cardinal Kelley
Archbishop of Dublin

Favors a Northern European
Wants a Pope who can connect with people

[12th Doctor]

North American Cardinals

Michael Cardinal Fitzgibbon
Archbishop of Boston

Wants an outspoken intellectual
Theologically moderate

Brian Cardinal Latello, CICM
Archbishop of New York City

Loyal to his heritage
Theologically conservative
Studied under Cardinal von Frick

John Cardinal Gabler, SJ
Archbishop of Detroit

Globally minded
Politically conservative

Ray Cardinal Sanchez
Archbishop of Los Angles

Studied under Cardinal Cheng
Wants someone spiritual

Robert Cardinal Stojeck, OSB
Archbishop of Toronto

Wants someone outspoken
Theologically moderate

Jean Cardinal Legrand
Archbishop of Quebec

Wants a Pope who can connect with people
Politically moderate

Latin American Cardinals

Carlos Cardinal de Sliva
Archbishop of Sao Paulo

Favors a man from Spanish/Portuguese speaking country
Wants an intellectual

Pedro Cardinal Alves
Archbishop of Cuiaba, Brazil

Global thinker
Opposed many of the Vatican II reforms

Orlando Cardinal Lopez
Archbishop of Mexico City

Quiet and spiritual
Wants a Pope from the Third World

Francisco Cardinal Garcia
Archbishop of Monterrey

Wants an intellectual
Theologically conservative

Adolfo Cardinal Zambrano, Opus Dei
Archbishop of Cali, Colombia

Zambrano strongly favors Cardinals from the Third World

Pedro Cardinal Ramirez, SJ
Archbishop of Tunja, Colombia

Not a typical Jesuit

Luis Cardinal Pinera, Opus Dei
Archbishop of Santiago, Chile

Prefers someone who is quite and spiritual

Carlos de Arroyo
Archbishop of Havana

Publicly liberal in all areas
Wants a strongly outspoken Pope

Alberto de Lugo
Archbishop of Lima

Global thinker
Politically moderate

Eduardo Cardinal Rios, SJ
Archbishop of Tegucigalpa

Wants a Latin American Pope

African Cardinals

Mosi Cardinal Tyler
Archbishop of Pretoria, South Africa

Global thinker
Wants someone who can connect with the people

Yaw Cardinal Kobe, CICM
Arch Archbishop of Douala

Politically liberal
Supports reforms of Vatican II

Kojo Cardinal Sauda, Opus Dei
Archbishop of Accar, Ghana

Prefers a Third World Cardinal

Martin Cardinal Chike, OFM
Archbishop of Antananarivo, Madagascar

Favors either an African or a person from a French speaking country
Theologically conservative

Imamu Cardinal M’Fuma
Archbishop of Juba, Sudan

Theologically conservative
Politically liberal
Worked with Cardinal Yates

Madiwa Cardinal Zuri
Archbishop of Mwanza, Tanzania

Prefers an intellectual
Opposes many Vatican II reforms

Asian and Oceanic Cardinals

Shirish Cardinal Gayan
Archbishop of Calcutta

Worked with Mother Teresa
Prefers Third World Cardinal

Pablo Cardinal Majboo
Archbishop Jaro, Philippines

Studied under Tagola
Theologically moderate

Rakusaburo Cardinal Michiba
Archbishop of Tokyo

Prefers and Asian
Prefers an outspoken Cardinal

Bima Cardinal Purnomo, OP
Archbishop of Ende, Indonesia

Politically Moderate
Favors Vatican II reforms

Trai Cardinal Ho, SJ
Archbishop of Hanoi

Prefers a Third World Cardinal
Theologically moderate

Sunan Cardinal Kulap
Archbishop of Bangkok

Favors quiet, spiritual man
Theologically liberal

Andrew Cardinal Lynch
Archbishop of Sydney

Worked with Hume
Prefers a man of the people

[12th Doctor]

Important Organization in the Catholic Church

Opus Dei

If any organization in the Catholic Church has been a lightening-rod for controversy over the past few years, it is Opus Dei.  Contrary to the many accusations that have been flung at it over the years, Opus Dei is a rather simple organization with a rather simple mission.  Founded in Spain in 1922 by Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, a Catholic priest, but has since then become most popular in Latin America.  Rather than being a bastion of conservatism, as many charge, Opus Dei promotes a number of views that would variously be seen as liberal or conservative.  Members of the organization believe that every individual is called to be a saint, and should act individual to promote the highest moral standards in their own live, while spreading the goodness of Christ to their neighbors through example.  Rather than being “cult-like”, members of Opus Dei, the vast majority of which are laity, are strongly encouraged to reach out to, and interact with the world.  Work is highly praised by members, as any work that is done by a person who as Christ at heart is seen as being a “good work”.  Opus Dei also strongly supports the “preferential option for the poor” held by Catholic Doctrine.

Order of Saint Benedict (OSB)

An order known both for its religious conservatism and its scholarship, the Benedictines are most historically notorious for the prominent role they played in the Inquisition.  While they certainly seemed to have toned down things since then, it can still be said that they are the defenders of Catholic orthodoxy the world over.  While not quite as “single-minded” as members of some other groups, they do tend to hang with each other as a matter of course.

Order of Friars Minor, Franciscans (OFM)

Founded by St. Francis Assisi as a group for those who wanted to live simply, away from the trappings of modern society; the Franciscans have evolved a bit in their nearly 700 years of existence.  Though still committed to a vow of poverty, they are the proprietors of many orphanages, local charities and shelters across the world, particularly in the Third World.  As a group, they lack any clear theological or political cohesion.

Society of Jesus, Jesuits (SJ)

As a group, the Jesuits have had a long and complex history.  At various times, the Jesuits have been one of the most highly respected groups in the Church, the right hand of the Pope, illegal in some countries and banned by the Church.  The Jesuits of today are a scholarly group with a decided liberal bent.  One of the largest groups of the Catholic Church, they are popular all over the world, but the Third World and particularly Latin America, where Liberation Theology is most prominent, is where the Jesuits enjoy their current organization zenith.

Congregation of the Immaculate Heat of Mary, (CICM)

Meant to represent all Marian devotional groups, the CICM is the least ideologically cohesive group of them all.  Members, vastly eschewed in most other areas of faith and politics are highly unlikely to vote from someone who does not take Marian devotion seriously, or even discourages it.

Order of Preachers, Dominicans (OP)

The oldest of Catholic orders, the Dominicans started out as a preaching and scholarly group, and are still a preaching and scholarly group today.  Not an ideological group, members of this organization would most likely line up behind a scholarly candidate who is interested in Catholic evangelization efforts.

St. Pius X Society

The Pius X Society is an ultra-conservative Catholic organization that opposes the actions of all Popes since Pius XII, strongly opposes the breakdown of Papal authority and is distrustful of theologians and other intellectuals.  As a group that is currently in poor standing with the upper levels of the Church, there are no Cardinals in the conclave who are “officially” members of this organization.

[bullmoose88]

You may have posted it and it got lost in this big thread...but what is the schedule of events and the opportunities for candidates to interact?

[12th Doctor]

You may have posted it and it got lost in this big thread...but what is the schedule of events and the opportunities for candidates to interact?

It's right here:

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=55860.msg1166209#msg1166209

The "realtime" for each ballot will be as long as we need to make it to allow each person a chance to do what they have to, and for me to calculate the results... within reason, of course.

[12th Doctor]

Keep in mind the there will be several factors affecting the votes of each Cardinal, and that each Cardinal will weigh those factors differently depending on their personality.  There is, of course, no restriction on how much the players can interact.

[Keystone Phil]

Can we start "influencing" Cardinals now?

[J. J.]

I will hope that the Holy Spirit would be doing the influencing.

I am interested in the views of my brothers on the Sacraments, which is how the Holy Spirit has moved me.

How does the Church serve as a vehicle for these?

[12th Doctor]

Hang on... we aren't ready yet.  And you are going against the rules as is.

[12th Doctor]

Sorry guys, everytime I get to a step in the preparation, it takes long that I think it will.  Anyway, we tomorrow, we should be kicking.

[bullmoose88]

Any substantive informational updates coming tonight soult? No rush...i just enjoy reading them.

[12th Doctor]

Any substantive informational updates coming tonight soult? No rush...i just enjoy reading them.

Yes... though it won't be too interesting... I am going to give you guys the complete list of all remaining voting cardinals in the conclave.  The sumary of each will be short and sweat.  I will pick two characteristics for each Cardinal for you to go on, plus, maybe a personal comment, depending.  The rest will be for you to figure out during the conclave, through asking questions and observation of how they vote, with the occational statement from one or the other thrown in.

Won't be too interesting, but it is the final nail.

P.S.  no, acctually it isn't, because I will have to give a breif description of each no geographic faction.  *sigh* that won't take too long, luckily... I narrowed it down.

[12th Doctor]

Okay... the list of Cardinals is up.  Now I just have to add one Curia member I forgot, and put up the list of organizations, and we are rolling.

BTW... keep in mind that that is everyone who was not previously mentioned

[12th Doctor]

Alright, all the pieces are finally in place.  I'll open up the Vatican Thread tonight, that's when the Conclave will start.  I invite everyone to please read the rules completely before we start.

Bullmoose, I will answer your question in a moment.

[Gustaf]

I take it that we're not supposed to do any influencing until after the first round of balloting?

[12th Doctor]

I take it that we're not supposed to do any influencing until after the first round of balloting?

That's correct.  The first ballot is just to establish who has support from where, bascially.

Also, if you barely show up on the first ballot, don't get worried, a lot can change in 10 ballots.

I have been reading over the election, or at least, reports on the election, of ever Pope since Benedict XV... its amazing how quickly the cooalitions can change, and support can be shifted from one candidate to another.  I'm talking in the space of a single ballot.  In 1958, Cardinal Siri shifted support from him to two other Cardinals (in order, not at once) in the space of four ballots.

[Flying Dog]

I would just like to say thankyou to Supersoulty, I can tell you spent a lot of time on this and its fantastic. Thanks again

[ilikeverin]

I agree, this looks awesome Soulty