After Pope Francis’ death, the world’s eyes will turn to Rome, where a papal conclave will decide who will be the next pontiff – but could the world see its first American pope this election?
The simple answer is unlikely, but it is not impossible.
This huge decision is made by cardinals from all over the world. Of the 252 members of the College of Cardinals, 138 are currently eligible to choose the new pope. Although the American Catholic Church is one of the largest and richest in the world, there has never been an American -born pope. The idea of ​​an American pope has often been rejected in view of the geopolitical influence that America already has across the globe.
There are currently nine US Cardinals expected to take place in the 2025 conclusion, according to the list of cardinal elections.
They are: Cardinal Robert Prevost, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Cardinal Wilton Daniel Gregory, Cardinal Daniel Dinardo, Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley and Kardinal Raymond Burke.
With nine US Cardinals eligible to vote in the Conlamer out of 138, the mathematical possibility of the next pope being American is about 6.5 percent. Bookmakers Odds are also unfavorable.
According to the online betting guide, none of Americans are considered favorites. According to William Hill, Luis Antonio Tagle and Pietro Paroline are currently front runners to succeed Francis with 7/4 odds followed by Cardinal Peter Erdo at. 8.1.
As fans of the Oscar-winning movie Conclave knows, the process of choosing a new pope is political and everything could happen. Anyway, John Allen Jr., a Vatican expert and author of “All the Pope’s Men: The Inside Story of How The Vatican New York PostThat the prospect of an American pope is slim.
Dolan was appointed Archbishop of New York in 2009 and is one of the most recognizable figures in the American Catholic Church – known for his charisma and media expert. However, one of the most important questions, according to Allen, is that Dolan can simply be “for American.”
“He has seen as a charismatic, articulated and anyone decided to keep his own on the global scene, after serving as a main shepherd for the capital of the universe,” Allen told Allen, “Allen told The post. “Nevertheless, I suppose you will have to judge Dolan as a long shot, not a favorite.”
Americans who are often seen at the forefront of global cultural disgust and with stereotypical brash attitudes would have to demonstrate other skills such as experience abroad and capacity with language to take on the role.
Illinois-born Prevost may fit these criteria with extensive experience in Peru as both missionary and then a Archbishop. He is currently prefect for the Vatican’s Dicastery for bishops handling various administrative and pastoral responsibilities in Holy See, including the vetting nominations for bishops around the world.
At the age of 69, Prevost is younger than many of the other cardinals who can count against him who are chosen if others do not want to risk having another long period.
Burke, born in Wisconsin, has already been touted by some as a possible successor to the pontiff, after participating in 2013 the PABL CLAVET, which chose Pope Francis.
Considered by critics as an obvious traditionalist, he was made to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
Burke publicly collided with Francis’ more liberal philosophies, especially with regard to his willingness to give divorce and marry back couples to receive the Eucharist. He has also called the church’s new language about artificial birth control, civil marriages and gay people “critical”.
He previously said that Catholic politicians who support legalized abortion, such as former President Joe Biden, should not receive the Eucharist.