Since Pope John Paul II fell and injured his shoulder last month, the inevitable speculation has begun about possible successors to the 73-year-old Pontiff. If the election were held this week, 105 Cardinals under age 80 would be eligible to vote for and serve as the next Pope. Among the most mentioned:
— CARLO MARIA MARTINI, 66, Italy
Pluses: As Archbishop of Milan, he heads Europe’s largest diocese. An intellectual heavyweight.
Minuses: May be too liberal. Would be the first Jesuit Pope.
— ANGELO SODANO, 66, Italy
Pluses: Vatican Secretary of State, nominally the No. 2 spot.
Minuses: Lacks Martini’s high profile.
— BERNARDIN GANTIN, above, 71, Benin
Plus: Known for hard work, holiness. The church sees growth in Africa.
Minuses: The Holy See may not be ready for a black Pope.
— FRANCIS ARINZE, 61, Nigeria
Pluses: Heads Vatican’s council for interreligious dialogue; familiar with the world of Islam.
Minuses: Considered too young by some.
— JEAN-MARIE LUSTIGER, 67, France
Pluses: A Jewish convert to Catholicism; intellectually brilliant.
Minuses: A Frenchman.
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