Word: vatican
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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Until recently, the conventional wisdom had it that the most plausible papabile to respond to such challenges was FRANCIS CARDINAL ARINZE, former head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and a native of Nigeria, where Christianity and Islam come into contentious conflict. But his long service in the Vatican bureaucracy, or Curia ("He's more Curial than African" goes a typical comment), and his recent transfer to another department have dimmed his prospects. Some electors may side with Bologna's former ARCHBISHOP GIACOMO CARDINAL BIFFI, who has suggested that non-Catholic immigration to Italy should be limited. But theirs...
...that they loved him, the late Pontiff's bishops did not thrive under him. The language of the Second Vatican Council had seemed to promise greater "collegiality" between bishops and the Pope (whose office for centuries was less powerful than now). But John Paul did not see it that way. He applied theological litmus tests for bishops' appointments and required national bishops' conferences to clear statements on doctrine with the Vatican. "Even conservative Cardinals of large archdioceses have been unhappy with the way the Curia has interfered with their authority," says McBrien. "They want a Pope who will respect that...
...funny--or, rather, somber--thing happened during John Paul's hard final days. Vatican handicappers realized that there is a downside to an old Pope and a short papacy. A Vatican official who watched several electors view John Paul's body says, "The look in their eyes said the unstated, [that] the last thing we'd want is a decrepit [Pontiff]." Now fans of the interim solution have reluctantly had to return to regarding the full spectrum of Cardinal options...
...flags sailed and swooped. Banners proclaimed SANTO SUBITO, Sainthood Now, and already reports were spreading of miraculous healings by the Pope last week. "The Cardinals have seen this outpouring, and it adds to the weight of their responsibility. It says that we need to find someone inspiring," said a Vatican official. "The people want someone who will be great...
...Church, which is administered by the state-run Catholic Patriotic Association, was no less fervent. The church was hung with banners commemorating the Pope, and a priest in purple vestments led prayers for his "peaceful enjoyment of heaven." This was the first time since Beijing severed relations with the Vatican in 1951 that worshippers in state-approved churches were allowed to commemorate a Pope's death. With China's approximately 10 million Catholics united in mourning the Pontiff, the divide between underground and official congregations was blurred. "Underground churches now often work openly in China, and official churches recognize...