February 20, 2001. Copyright 2001. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

POPE JOHN PAUL II PREPARES WAY FOR SUCCESSOR

LONDON, February 20, Graphic News: ON Wednesday the College of Cardinals will gather in Rome to witness the creation of 42 new Òprinces of the churchÓ as those reaching the highest echelon of the Catholic church are called.

Under the gaze of the worldÕs media the Pope will place a red zucchetto -- skullcap, or Òbeanie,Ó as itÕs referred to by Edward Egan, Archbishop of New York -- and red biretta, a four-cornered hat, on their heads and fellow cardinals from around the globe will welcome them into what has been described as Òthe most exclusive club in the world.Ó

Although there have been eight ÒconsistoriesÓ since the election of Pope John Paul II in 1978, this weekÕs will be the largest and perhaps the last. 

As only cardinals can take part in the election of a new pope, the consistory has the added attraction that one of those men who will process in scarlet soutane with a mantelletta of silk and lace will soon be clad in the white robes of the next pope.

The addition of 42 new members to the College of Cardinals has raised the number of eligible voters to 135. Only those under the age of 80 are allowed to vote. The new intake is also perceived to have restored the political balance among the churchÕs various factions.

ÒThere is this sense that we are going to be moving ahead and that this Pope has led us into the 21st century but the ball will be picked up by his successor,Ó says Monsignor Robert Dempsey, the editor of the English-language edition of LÕOsservatore Romano, the VaticanÕs official newspaper or, as itÕs often irreverently known, ÒPravda for the Pope.Ó

Given the frailty of Pope John Paul II, who will be 81 in May, there is naturally speculation that this could be his last opportunity to create new cardinals and so influence the choice of his successor. 

Among the new group of cardinals are some who could play an important role in the conclave, even if they themselves do not become pope. 

Giovanni Battista Re, a 67-year-old Italian, is prefect of the Congregation of Bishops, which enables him to advise the pope on episcopal appointments around the world. 

Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan was born in Hue, Vietnam, and was imprisoned by the Communist regime for 13 years. He is now president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. 

Claudio Hummes, 66, is Archbishop of Sao Paulo in Brazil. He is seen as a moderate, and has spoken out on human rights issues. 

The Polish-born Zenon Grocholewski has a top Vatican job as prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. 

Also included is Karl Lehmann, the liberal-minded head of the German Bishops' Conference.

New cardinals from the United States include the Archbishop of New York, Edward Egan, and the Archbishop of Washington DC, Theodore McCarrick. 

There is also a beanie for Cormac Murphy-OÕConnor, Archbishop of Westminster, and spiritual leader of the four million Catholics in England and Wales. 
/ENDS
Sources: Reuters, BBC World