I think it’s just because the church has a long history in Italy and I expect it’s a devout country compared to some of the others in Europe. But my understanding is that the percentage of Italian cardinals of and European cardinals has been steadily decreasing. About half of the electors are European now.
Teapot agnostic here, I see this as also a Jew that calls himself one even if he/she does not believe in the dogma, just a cultural thing now; and no matter what you do, family still considers you one; so it is just a matter of pushing for any meager progress to see that a church remains benevolent for all, and does reflect better what Catholics actually do.
Like for example regarding contraceptives, the polls do show that a majority of Catholics agree on allowing their use. About 60% or more in the more reliable polls do report that contrary to what the church orders, many Catholics have used contraception, and not just the rhythm method.
I guess is that the point for me is that if there is no progress in items like that one, I can expect another big schism in my lifetime.
Facebooked.
If you object, of course, simply say the word and it will be deleted.
I don’t object because A) I put it on my own Facebook page and 2) I kind of stole it off Bob and Tom [syndicated radio show] (though I embellished with the hollandaise and Canadian bacon).
My guess is that Antonio Si Kola will be the next one chosen. He’ll be bucking tradition and keeping his name.
Nonsense, the obvious choice is Cecil Adams, whose reign-name will flaunt his heterosexuality.
Glad to hear as I’ve appropriated it for my Facebook as well!
He’s the guy who has spent most of his career railing against the scourge of cocaine, yes?
A number of cardinals are officials of the Curia (Cardinal Deacons and Cardinal Bishops) who don’t have diocesan responsibilities, i.e. they’re based at the Vatican. By the nature of the job (i.e. frequent interaction with the Italian government and citizenry), these positions are overwhelmingly held by Italians.
Me, I liked the Old Pope. The New Pope left a funny taste in my mouth. I look forward to the return of a Classic Pope.
Could be if it is SCola 
I for one welcome our new Catholic overlord Popa Scola!
He would had been fun to have as Pope during the Cola wars! 
Do not speak of the intaFanta!
Well, I’m sort of in the same boat. Raised Catholic, went to Catholic schools about 1/2 my pre-college education. I’m an atheist now, but certainly culturally a Christian/Catholic in that I’m happy to celebrate Christmas and understand Bible stories, etc. But no way would I even remotely consider being an actual, believing Catholic.
Having said that, this whole craziness about the pope is just hype as far as I’m concerned. There is going to be a new pope who may be minimally different, but the Church is still going to be anti-abortion, anti-birth control, anti-women priests, anti-married priests, and anti-gay.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Right. The RCC is always going to be well behind the times. It’s led by senior citizens from conservative religious backgrounds, and the people who are in charge choose the people who pick their replacements, which means big break with the past aren’t too likely. A little more than half of the electors were created by Benedict and the rest were created by John Paul II. So there’s reason to think the next pope will be in the same mold.
Please! Use the proper Latatian! Avé! Bossa Nova! Similis Bossa Seneca!
And He won’t even have to learn to be infallible!
There are already plenty of threads about that.
Q: There was a French(?) Bishop who, contrary to Vat II, continued to perform Mass (and all other rituals) in Latin.
Did Ratzinger un-excommunicate him?
I’d think that individual (If still alive) would be the ultimate litmus test for progressive (or at least 19th century) vs Ratzinger reactionary.
Also, re-instating the Priest and Nun behind “Building Bridges”* would go a long ways toward repudiating the more hateful parts of his reign.
- Building Bridges was an outreach book from the Church to Homosexual community. Ratzinger, as head of the Inquisition, personally signed the ex-communication orders