Pope Benedict resigns

[Takeda Shingen]

Originally Posted by Platapus

So where do you think the next pope will come from

Europe... again
Africa
South America?

Europe--Still the most likely. The continent may not be the future for the Church, but it is still where most of it's political power is concentrated.

North America--No way. The Church has long looked down it's nose at the North American clergy, and the way that the US Church has allowed civil abuse prosecutions to proceed relatively unhindered has not warmed that relationship.

Asia--The Roman Catholic Church has only a shadow of a presence in Asia.

Africa--Possibly. It would still be considered a radical move, but the Church's future is in Africa. If there is a possiblity to win converts, count the Church in.

South America--Not a chance. The South American clergy still carry the stigma of their association with the liberation theology movement, and carry absolutely no political weight within the Church.