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Kildere53's avatar

The most interesting fact I've found about this so far is that in the 2013 conclave, 52% of the participating cardinals were from Europe. This time, of the 135 eligible cardinals, only 39% are from Europe.

Maybe this could increase the chances of another non-European pope?

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Henrik's avatar

I think a non European has a good chance. Ironically, that may make for a more conservative Pope, especially if they’re an African

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Burt Kloner's avatar

what is the problem with a European Pope? Not Catholic and not really up on the politics of the Vatican except I know there have been some pretty extreme Popes in the past

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Henrik's avatar

No problems at all. There’s just speculation that since the Church’s growth and the balance of faithful bring in the developing world that the Church may find purchase in going outside of Europe yet again in acknowledgement of that

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Paleo's avatar

Not if it’s Tagle from the Philippines. He’s the most likely to carry on Francis’s legacy.

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Henrik's avatar

Tagle I think would have a harder time in a conclave now than a few years ago with some allegations of helping cover up sexual abuse out there. You can check the same boxes with Besungu it you want somebody outside of Europe with a similar reformist profile

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