by Anura Guruge

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Guruge 2020 Papabili Series — #III

There is the famous adage: ‘a fat pope is followed by a thin pope‘.

In this instance it would be: ‘an unconventional pope is followed by a conventional pope‘.

Francis, by measure, was unconventional. For a start he was the first pope in centuries who had spent very little time in Rome. Francis’ exposure to Rome (and as such with the Vatican) was essentially non-existent. He did not have any education or training in Rome (or Italy) and he did not hold any significant curial roles of note. This might be a clue to why he has proved to be such an outsider within the Vatican.

Plus, he, despite his heritage, was non-European.

Francis has rocked the boat. He has not proved to be the pope that folks had thought and hoped.

It is now 42-years since the last Italian pope!

The Avignon papacy lasted 69-years.

I have a feeling that the next conclave is going to gravitate towards picking a traditional pope — at a minimum European. No exotics this time around.

But, they could go further. Go the whole hog, and opt for an Italian.

There are 22 Italian cardinal electors — as you can see.

This is my first cut. I will refine this Italian list over the next few weeks.

What are YOUR thoughts?

Related posts:
Check Category ‘Next Pope’.
Search ‘cardinals‘, ‘consistory‘ & ‘pope‘.

by Anura Guruge