Cardinals must decide priorities for church
‘Behind the thick oak doors of the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will do more than pick the next pope. Their deliberations - which begin Monday - also serve as a critical judgment on what the faith needs most as pressures close in from all directions.
The cardinals often mentioned as possible papal successors have already made their voices heard - addressing the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics and their fellow red-hatted “princes of the church” expected at the first conclave in more than a quarter century.
Every speech, text and public gesture has been pored over in recent years for clues about each man’s style and priorities.
“They must pick the 21st century pope and address 21st century questions,” said the Rev. Giovanni D’Ercole, a commentator on Vatican affairs. “It may not be easy.”‘
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