** FILE ** This Nov. 20, 2010, file photo shows then newly-appointed ... more >The Vatican’s closed-door selection of the new pope is expected to move quickly, with a replacement for Pope Benedict XVI — who announced a Feb. 28 resignation on Monday — to come by Easter, according to Vatican officials.
But don’t expect any leaks in the decision process, according to a report from NBC News.
“Cardinals are pretty shrewd,” said John Wilkins, a former editor of the international Catholic newspaper The Tablet, in the NBC report. “They keep their cards close to their chest. They will make up their own minds.”
Factors they will consider, NBC reports: Nationality. This could be the first pope who hails from a non-European nation, various media report. Also of consideration: Leadership ability. Pope Benedict faced criticisms for his failure to control the Catholic Church bureaucracy, NBC said.
One interesting aside: Just hours after Pope Benedict announced his resignation, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City was struck by a lightning bolt, Fox News reported.
© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
By John Solomon
How the government's punishing of the exposure of official wrongdoing can linger for years
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
A collection of reader guest articles, thoughts and opinions by Communities writers and breaking news and information.
Great discoveries in the world of restaurants and chefs fulfill the quest for delicious food and cooking.
Paul Rondeau dissects the propaganda, media tricks, and other shenanigans targeting our families, faith, and freedom…and even life itself
“Right Angles” explores serious subjects, such as the Islamization of the Middle East and delegitimization of Israel, with humor, candor and a twist.
Benghazi: The anatomy of a scandal
13 Photos
Vietnam Memorial adds four names
18 Photos
Cinco de Mayo on the Mall
11 Photos
NRA kicks off annual convention
8 Photos
