The Future of The Papacy

In the event of John Paul's death or resignation, a new Pope will be chosen by secret ballot of the cardinals under the age of 80, who may vote for anyone among their members. One of the most intriguing questions is which nationality the next pope will be. The Polish-born John Paul was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, since Hadrian VI (1522-3), and Vatican observers suggest the next pope may be non-Italian as well. John Paul has worked to elevate more cardinals from the developing world, increasing the possibility that one of them may eventually be pope. The highest proportion of votes, however, still remains with Europe with 48.9 percent of the electoral seats. Italy alone has the largest bloc of 23 voting-age cardinals.

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