::Wednesday, April 06, 2005::
PAPABILI WATCH, PART 3
.. There's a saying in Rome that says "if you go inside the conclave as a Pope, you come out a cardinal." It was wise for Cardinal Hummes (pronounced Hoo-mes) to downplay his chances for the papacy. The last two popes (John Paul I, II) were not early favorites but were in fact compromise candidates. Though John Paul II made a rule revision requiring a simple majority (50+1) in the event balloting reaches 30 (there are 2 ballots each in the morning and afternoon with a 2/3 unanimous vote requirement) making it easier to vote as a bloc, the Holy Spirit will likely spring another surprise.
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