Papabile

Papabile (plural: Papabili) is an unofficial Italian term first coined by Vaticanologists and now used internationally in many languages to describe cardinals of whom it is thought likely or possible that they will be elected pope. A convenient English translation would be 'popeable'.

Among the papabile cardinals who were elected pope are Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli (Pius XII) and Giovanni Cardinal Montini (Paul VI). Being seen as papabile, however, is no guarantee of election, and is sometimes seen as a handicap. Giuseppe Cardinal Siri was widely expected to be elected pope in the 1958 conclave. Instead Angelo Cardinal Roncalli, an utterly unexpected choice, was elected and became Pope John XXIII. Similarly Giovanni Cardinal Benelli was widely expected to be elected pope in both the August and October 1978 conclaves. In fact he was defeated in both (narrowly the second time). In August, another candidate few saw as papabile, Albino Cardinal Luciani was elected and became Pope John Paul I. This has led to a wry saying among Vaticanologists, "He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal."

As the cardinals age, the "list" of papabili changes as well. For instance Carlo Cardinal Martini was thought to be papabile a few years ago, but now he has given up his see (Milan) upon reaching 75 years of age. As a result, few cite him as papabile today. A few years ago, Pope John Paul II joked about the papabili, "The man who will succeed me as pope hasn't yet been made a cardinal."

Lists of current papabile cardinals often include:

External link

Discursive website on papabili

See also

External link