If you look at the history of the Pope's after a long reign they have a short reign...the last several who have been supposedly short have been: Blessed John XXIII, John Paul I, now Benedict XVI. None of the short terms have lasted much beyond 7-9yrs. I know JPII was just put into the Tomb about a year ago...but Benedict is not young...anyone care to offer up who they think might be the next Pope or from what country and why?
2006-06-30 10:23:04 · 3 answers · asked by Bishop David F. Milne DD 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I can't say exactly who will be next because due to the age limit I do not know who will be in the running at the time of the next conclave. However, I will take a shot at country of origin. Unfortunately, I believe the next pope will be from a Third World country in South America. While I have nothing but love for this area, I am afraid that a pope from this area will be more of a president of a country rather than the pastor of a church. Just over half of the world's Catholics now reside in South America and I fear that if the next pope from the area, he will try too hard to respond to the cries of the people instead of listening to the call of God. Although, I could be completely off-base. The next pope could be from South America and may be the best pope this world has ever seen.
I personally hope that the next pope is European, but not Italian. An Italian pope would likely try to reign in the Church and bring things back to the "old ways." While I am a conservative Catholic, I believe the Church needs to capitalize on its current momentum like it has under the leadership of both John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI (both of which happen to be from non-Italian European countries).
But again, these are vast generalizations and the candadites must be judged by their personal qualities and not their area of origin. I would like to see another European pope but I trust in the choice of the cardinals. Just my two cents.
2006-06-30 10:40:52 · answer #1 · answered by holdemhero07 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I really liked the fact that two cardinals form "third world" countries were up for consideration. I really think that the worlds largest church should elect a Pope from those deepest in the mission and ministry field.
2006-06-30 17:29:44 · answer #2 · answered by mike g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I will trust the Holy Spirit to inspire the cardinals to elect the right one.
With love in Christ.
2006-06-30 20:35:30 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋