In 1978, Pope John Paul I was elected to much celebration. Known as the 'Smiling Pope', he made it his mission to humanise the Papacy and weed out corruption. It was expected that he would rule for at least a decade. The world was shocked when he died within thirty-three days of his election. A Papal Conclave was called to find a successor.
After eight ballots, a successor was found in Karol Wojtyla who took the name Pope John Paul II. Although he was a conservative, John Paul II was seen as a charismatic negotiator. Once again, however, the world was stunned when on May 18, 1981 the Pope was shot multiple times by the Turkish assassin Mehmet Ali Agca. Against all odds, the Pope recovered from his injuries and went on to serve until 2005. Had he not, however, the Catholic Church would have been forced into another conclave less than three years after the last.
Based upon the information we have of the 1978 conclave, the only remaining serious candidates are Cardinals Benelli and Siri. While the conclave would have become deadlocked temporarily, due to John Paul II's appointments the election is more likely to swing in Benelli's favor. He is a strict authoritarian poised steadfast against the USSR and communism as a whole. Unfortunately, Benelli has a serious heart condition that he is unaware of. He will die by 1982, thrusting the Church into a fourth conclave in less than five years.
What happens now? How does the Church cope with such a rapid succession of Popes and who is likely to become the successor? What political ramifications will this have for the Church, Italy and the rest of the world?
After eight ballots, a successor was found in Karol Wojtyla who took the name Pope John Paul II. Although he was a conservative, John Paul II was seen as a charismatic negotiator. Once again, however, the world was stunned when on May 18, 1981 the Pope was shot multiple times by the Turkish assassin Mehmet Ali Agca. Against all odds, the Pope recovered from his injuries and went on to serve until 2005. Had he not, however, the Catholic Church would have been forced into another conclave less than three years after the last.
Based upon the information we have of the 1978 conclave, the only remaining serious candidates are Cardinals Benelli and Siri. While the conclave would have become deadlocked temporarily, due to John Paul II's appointments the election is more likely to swing in Benelli's favor. He is a strict authoritarian poised steadfast against the USSR and communism as a whole. Unfortunately, Benelli has a serious heart condition that he is unaware of. He will die by 1982, thrusting the Church into a fourth conclave in less than five years.
What happens now? How does the Church cope with such a rapid succession of Popes and who is likely to become the successor? What political ramifications will this have for the Church, Italy and the rest of the world?
