The cardinals who might be pope
Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign has rekindled debate within the Catholic Church and worldwide speculation about the possibility that the church will reach beyond the European clergy who have long held power in the Vatican to choose the next pope.
With an eye to vibrant Catholic communities in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, the Sacred College of Cardinals may weigh the pros and cons of selecting the next pope from another continent.
Here are cardinals believed to be possible choices:
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Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz( Alberto Pizzoli / AFP/Getty Images / February 18, 2012 )
Joao Braz de Aviz, a 65-year-old Brazilian, is another forceful advocate for the poor in Latin America. He is seen as having reinvigorated the Vatican department for religious congregations since his appointment two years ago. A former archbishop of Brasilia, Braz was elevated to cardinal less than a year ago. He has been critical of the church's slide into doctrinal and ideological infighting, urging the clergy to "rebuild trust" and to heed the concerns of the faithful.
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