Next Pope, the - Revised & Updated: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at How the Successor to John Paul II Will Be Elected and Where He Will Lead the Church

"The Next Pope" looks at the drama behind one of the world's most secretive and intricate election processes. In this new edition, Margaret Hebblethwaite updates the profiles of the top candidates -- including two Africans, a Jesuit, and a Jewish convert -- and outlines the course likely to be taken by the 263rd pontiff. The authors examine the trends that shaped previous papal elections and they address the issues certain to influence the next conclave's decision, including the ordination of women and the question of married priests. Here is an engaging and informative account of what really happens during the notoriously mystery-shrouded process.
-- The next pope's agenda will affect the lives of more than a billion Catholics worldwide and influence international politics and culture well into the 21st century.
-- This insider's account presents the major contenders and predicts the likely new pope while it evaluates the political maneuvering surrounding the election.