Rome
Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, possibly the most conservative of all the cardinals, is the front-runner to succeed Pope John Paul II, Time magazine reported this week. As head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for the past two decades, Ratzinger has been in charge of explaining and enforcing the Vatican’s opposition to abortion and homosexuality, and he has a reputation for ideological rigidity. Since the current pope has reigned so long, many church watchers believe that the next conclave will choose an elderly man as a “transition” pope, with a shorter tenure. Ratzinger, 77, could be that man.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Iran cuts internet as protests escalateSpeed Reada Government buildings across the country have been set on fire
-
Tips and tricks for VeganuaryThe Week Recommends Here are some of our best recommendations for a plant-based start to the year
-
FBI bars Minnesota from ICE killing investigationSpeed Read The FBI had initially agreed to work with local officials
