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Mark Wauck's avatar

Of course it's all speculation:

Dr Taylor Marshall @TaylorRMarshall

Parolin was the clear favorite, but after so many ballots, they could not elect Parolin.

It's a matter of math and deduction.

With 133 electors and the needed 2/3 majority, there is a voting bloc of at least 45 preventing Parolin so far.

***Anything could be happening,*** but this is the most likely scenario.

Damian Thompson @holysmoke

I wonder if this conclave is a bit like the second of 1978. Front-runners Siri (arch-conservative) and Benelli (curial liberal) couldn’t make two thirds. The compromise, Colombo of Milan, said he’d refuse. And so Wojtyla – five votes in the first round – made it through.

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E Alexander's avatar

Thank you for the retrospective. It's good to get a clear view of the reality in front of us, yet hopeful that the Holy Spirit, through human conversations among fellow bishops, may be at work.

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Mark Wauck's avatar

The world desperately needs a countercultural, counter anglo-zionist moral authority:

Damian Thompson @holysmoke

No one seriously expected a new pope after just three ballots. But from now on it’s a cliffhanger. Inside the conclave – we can reasonably surmise – votes are moving fast either towards or away from Parolin.

Kevin Tierney @CatholicSmark

If we do not see white smoke today, I do not think the next pope will be the ones that were talked about heading in. After 5 votes I think it opens up

Eric Sammons @EricRSammons

I don't think people realize what a difference a pope with gravitas makes vs. one without. If a Cardinal Pizzaballa or a Cardinal Sarah walk out on the loggia (as opposed to a Cardinal Tagle or a Cardinal Fernandez), it makes an instant positive and lasting impact.

A parable in a picture:

https://x.com/BearJFK/status/1920174403582562588

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AmericanCardigan's avatar

Oh man where do I begin? Too much to share this late. Very insightful read Mark. The comprehensive perspective was much needed for this Catholic right now. Tall orders in front of the next administrator if their courageous and willing.

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Tamsin's avatar

"Good Evening." 😶 Next!

For what it's worth, Ed Pentin has written up https://edwardpentin.co.uk/10-critical-issues-facing-the-next-pope/ and is part of a group that has put together a report that describes each of the papabili, https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/.

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AmericanCardigan's avatar

Very good read!

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forlbrty's avatar

Very helpful and hopeful, thx!

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