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Possible candidates for the Pope’s position
Posted On 11 Feb 2013
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI it’s already been discussed who would replace him. The last conclave in November, marked a turning point. The addition of six new members to the school of 120 cardinal electors was little in terms of numbers, but this is the first that the list is not headed by an Italian or European.
The first options to succeed Benedict XVI are two Americans. Timothy Dolan, 62, is the Archbishop of New York. He is friendly, a great intellectual, good manager and very passionate about baseball. Dolan dazzled the College of Cardinals a year ago, on February 17, a day before receiving the red biretta. The Pope charged him to talk about the “new evangelization” to all the cardinals of the world. Dolan shone again in October 2012, in the world Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization, an issue that requires that the church to plan their own future in a hostile cultural climate.
Marc Ouellet, Canadian, 68, is the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. It is a great theologian, also one of the main collaborators of the Pope. He speaks fluent English, Italian and Spanish.
Donald Wuerl, U.S., 72 years. Is the Archbishop of Washington. If he had not chosen the priesthood he would probably be U.S. Senator. It is a good theologian, intellectual and communicator. The Pope commissioned him the initial report in the last Synod. Wuerl was revealed as a leader with a large program and an excellent summary of debates.
Angelo Scoda. Italian. 71 years. The Archbishop of Milan. Son of a truck driver. The diocese of Milan did not accept him into the priesthood for being too liberal. He’s now a great theologian.
Christoph Schönborn, Austria, 67. Is the Archbishop of Vienna, is also a philosopher, psychologist, theologian and preacher. A prominent student of Ratzinger and president of the Austrian bishops.
Luis Antonio Tagle, Philippine, 55 years. Current Archbishop of Manila, recognized for being very active in social networks. Member of the International Theological Commission. Very wise and sympathetic.
