The Pope has died

[Serrart]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

so who's the pope now. the world is currently Popeless at the moment, and there doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency to replace him. It would seem to me that that would something the church would have lined up years before a pope dies. Especially how badly ailing Jon Paul was in his last few years.

Actually there's a big urgency to have a new Pope, because now all the people in charge in Vatican haven't any power except five cardinals who can bring on only the everyday activities and organize the conclave. But there are rules and times to respect. Moreover 117 cardinals (plus those who are over 80 and wouldn't vote but can partecipate to the nine days of cerimonies for John Paul II) have to arrive in Rome. Anyway the funeral would be on thursday, and 15 days after it the conclave sessions will start.

Romy