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 Luis Tagle( Vincenzo Pinto / AFP/Getty Images / November 24, 2012 )
Luis Tagle, at 55 the youngest of the cardinals whose name comes up in succession speculation, is a native of the Philippines and as such represents the strongest Catholic congregation in Asia. He is often compared to John Paul II in terms of personality and charisma, and has also been closely associated with Benedict through his work at the International Theological Commission. But his relative youth and inexperience in the hierarchy - he was promoted to cardinal just a year ago - could diminish his prospects.
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