Pope Benedict will resign the papacy at the
end of February 2013 citing the deterioration of his health for the decision.
This is the first time in hundreds of years that a Pope has resigned before
dying in office. Critics say that Pope Benedict may influence the decision of his
successor.
The bureaucracy of the Vatican and the
secrecy of the election leave room for media speculation. Just as it
happens in presidential elections, the media begins scrutinizing the possible
candidates for the soon to be vacant papal position, especially those who may
have played a role in the sexual scandal that erupted in 2010.
In recent days, Italian reporters believe
that the American Cardinal, Roger M. Mahony,
who protected priests accused of sexually abusing minors, should no be invited
to the conclave- the assembly of cardinals for the election of the next Pope.
Also, new sexual accusations are being leaked in the media and are already
being firmly denied by people who work in the Vatican.
As Cardinals from around
the world are arriving at the Vatican for the choosing of the next Pope, it is
more likely that the successor will be European as it has been for a very long
time.
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