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 Odilo Scherer( Fernando Bizerra Jr. / European Pressphoto Agency / February 11, 2013 )
Odilo Scherer, 63, a Brazilian of German descent, is head of the Vatican Department for Eastern Churches and archbishop of the massive Sao Paolo diocese, the world's largest Catholic congregation. He could be considered the front-runner if the cardinals choose to recognize the strength of Latin America, a region with 42% of the world's Catholics. Made a cardinal by Benedict less than six years ago, Scherer has urged the church hierarchy to more vigorously practice evangelism and has spoken favorably of liberation theology's focus on social justice and the needs of the poor.
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