Although it would be really exciting to have a Pope from the United States, it's not very likely at this point in history. I've read all the arguments for and against and I'm confident the Cardinals will correctly choose the next Vicar of Christ with the devine assistance of the Holy Spirit... if the next Pope happens to be from here, that would definitely add another level of significance, especially for the non-faithful... it will allow them to experience a closer contact when they ordinarily would not have that opportunity... but for the faithful, our hearts transcend national boundaries... we are first citizens of the Holy See and her sovereign episcopal jurisdiction... this reality also prepares us to be better United States citizens as well. It's a win/ win situation for the world whenever we have a new Pope!

I agree with Robert.

I disagree.Its all politics & he could not handle the West Palm Beach diocese after being sent to clean up the mess left by two sucessive pedifile Bishops,One after the other. Robert needs to read his scriptures . I am a child of Christ living in this world & a citizen of the U.S.. I go straight to the Triune God & don't belong to the Holy See.I feel the'll elect An African or someone from a large Catholic population. The US is fouth in Catholic population. Soverign!!! Christ is our only King. Is the servant wiser than the Master Christ.

Rosaleen,we all read, and as everyone knows that pedophiles have been doing these kind of unspeakable acts for centuries,all over Europe, and the church knows it.( La historia se relanzara siempre.) Also the U.S. is Fourth not Fouth. But I understand what you are saying.We are all one under god. All others are just messengers.Have a great day.

I'll say a Hail Mary for you Rosaleen.

The possibility of an American Pope, even a slim one, is very exciting. However most Americans are cafeteria Catholics who tend to pick and choose what Papal decrees they'll observe, especially concerning reproductive issues. Cardinal Sean O'Malley speaks Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian fluently, and is of the Capuchin order, known for its simplicity. He was criticized for being slow to respond to sex abuse scandals, but acted more effectively than most other church officials. I'll be praying to St. Patrick for some Irish luck in the conclave this week!

You know more than most Taryn... I cannot even begin to imagine how amazing it would be to have a Pope from Boston... if there is one place in the world that needs that kind of inspiration, it would be here... but having said that, the Holy Spirit has the final vote

Wasn't Pope John Paul II a longshot?

Indeed!

Anything can happen. The Church knows they need to reform as well as reach out. I would not rule out an American Pope. O'Malley, Dolan, Raymond Burke, Ed O'Brien would all make outstanding candidates. These are brilliant talented men of God and they would represent a powerful step forward from the tremendous pontificates of JP II and Benedict. The U.S. has led all the Bishops worldwide in responding to the sex scandals and improving financial accounting etc. While there will inevitably continue to be bad priests the mechanisms for identifying problems and having zero-tolerance has been implemented. There are still older generation priests that will not respond to more transparency and accountability but will just be a matter of time before the cycle through. The renewal of the Church is coming........

Taryn, What you say is truer than most like to admit. Catholics have 3 groups.Total believers, Semi believers and Holiday feel gooders. True ones go constantly. Semi still think Archbishop Fulton Sheen is still alive. He died in 1979. Great speaker, anyway. Holidays are the true test for parking abilities among the Holiday Catholics. The place is mobbed. Every street for 5 blocks in every direction is packed with Holiday worshipers I live near Saint Agatha's and watch it on Christmas eve,Christmas day and Easter.

It's nice to know all three groups are Gods children,Created by Him ,loved by Him & temples of the Holy Spirit.

Rosaleen,,Not true. Really think about #3. In the now.

I will give it some thought, I'm not a mind reader so I don't know anyones motives but my own.I was reading 1 & 2 Corinthians last night & it supports my thinking. People see things through the lens of their own eyes .I am still learning this lesson trying to adhere to the Holy spirit. Our Lord looks at the heart .I don't understand ,"In the now.".In the present day?

Yes & Yes People do see things through their own eyes and Yes, in present day. Religion is great to have, but trust me it is not for everyone, and unfortunately that is my business. Dealing with bad people all day, 5 days a week. Sometimes 6 days a week. And God is not what they believe in.

Sadly your employment must be difficult. I know there is evil in this world .God gives us all free will ,but God has & will continue to handle it. He already conquered evil on the cross. I am confident you know this . Don't let them discouage you & continue to ask God for His guidance.I will pray for your safety as I do each night for policemen( there are many in our family) & a brother-in- law who's a R.C.deacon with a prison ministry.Even in the dark hours of the night I see the blue flashing lights pass my widow & I am sure its the Holy Spirit is reminding me to pray . I am delighted with the choice of Cardinal Bergoglio as our new Pope.I was certainly wrong about the Holy Spirit & was extenuating with the Lord in prayer .I told Him how true to form those Italian Cardinals were. ( Like he didn't know) so bold after seeing the white smoke texted an Italian Cardinal to congratulate him.That's exactly the polotics I feared.This old lady has had an up & down journey with her Catholic life. I hope I live long enough to see some much needed change in the Church. If not I'll be to overjoyed to care.

Briny O'Boy I typed widow instead of window,so feel free at any time to correct my spelling. It only made me laugh & reminds me of my mother ,who was an English teacher. My grammar is worse then my spelling . I can recomend an excellent book called , He Leadeth Me ,about the life of Fr.Walter J. Cisnek S.J. written in collaboration with Fr.Daniel J. Flaherty S.J.. Like you ,he too faced evil daily in a Russian prison for over 24 yrs. He is a true saintly person . Since I got it from my 1st cousin a Passionist priest .I must admit that my stubborn self decided I wouldn't read it .We disagree on many issues. I would have lost out for pre-judging if I'd not been curious. I truly liked this book.

I'm currently reading , The Good Earth, by Pearl S.Buck