‘Papabile’ of the Day: Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

Several Asian cardinals are on some Vatican watchers’ short lists of ‘papabile’

(OSV News) — At the upcoming conclave, of the 133 cardinal electors who will enter the Sistine Chapel, 23 will come from Asia. At least six are on various short lists as “papabile,” or “popeable” candidates. Those lists are mostly created by journalists, but also highlight candidates with certain experiences and age that would fit the requirements for a future pope. Cardinals Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar, Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Japan, William G…

‘Papabile’ of the Day: Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

Each day between now and the May 7 conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, John Allen is offering a profile of a different papabile, the Italian term for a man who could be pope. There’s no scientific way to identity these contenders; it’s mostly a matter of weighing reputations, positions held and influence wielded over the years. There’s also certainly no guarantee one of these candidates will emerge wearing white; as an old bit of Roma…