Totopapa: Games around the new head of the Church

The election of the pope is one of the most mysterious elections in the world, where the candidates are not publicly announced, and there is more bluffing than in high-stakes poker, writes Reuters
60 views 0 comment(s)
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.
Ažurirano: 14.02.2013. 12:06h

Pope Benedict XVI may have shocked the world on Monday with his announcement of his departure from office, but it seems that some cardinals started the fight to succeed him even two years ago.

The election of the pope is one of the most mysterious elections in the world, where the candidates are not publicly announced, and there is more bluffing than in high-stakes poker, Reuters wrote yesterday.

No cardinal is allowed to openly advocate for that post because it is considered that the election takes place "by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit."

However, in secret, at meetings in the Vatican and at dinners in fine Roman restaurants, the cardinal electors weigh potential candidates among themselves and subtly distribute information to media representatives about "who is in the game and who is not."

Those discreet conversations, which the Romans jokingly call "totopapa" or "papal lottery", intensified on Monday when Benedict XVI announced the first papal abdication in the last few centuries, and will heat up when cardinals from all over the world arrive at the conclave in a few days.

The last mass of Benedict XVI

In his final homily, Benedict XVI expressed hope for a united church that will not be divided by internal rivalries

Pope Benedict XVI held his last mass as head of the Roman Catholic Church yesterday, on the day of the beginning of the Easter fast.

Mass was held in St. Peter's Basilica, as many faithful came to pray with the Pope for the last time, in the presence of a large number of cardinals.

Cardinal Tarçizio Bertone thanked Benedict for the example he set by serving as pope, a long applause followed, and "Long live the Pope" was heard from the audience.

Benedict XVI, visibly moved, said briefly: "Thank you, let's go back to prayer."

The first papal abdication in the last few centuries: Benedict XVI (Photo: Beta/AP)

In his final homily, Benedict XVI expressed hope for a united church that would not be divided by internal rivalries.

Pope Benedict XVI (85) announced on Monday that on February 28 retire from office. He cited his health condition and age as the reason.

Gallery

See more: