Apr 3, 2005
John Paul II ...
After declining further medical treatment last night, his holiness, John Paul, II, died today. The Teaching Company has made two complimentary lectures on papal succession available here. Text resources are here. 117 members of the College of Cardinals will be eligible to vote on John Paul's successor. He reigned for 26 years, history's 3rd longest pontificate. A consequence of that fact is that all the Cardinals who are eligible to vote have been appointed by him and none of them have any prior experience in electing a Pope. This is a fascinating process to watch. Thanks to Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit for the tips.
Update: Armand Knight and Jakob Oehlenschlager point out in comments that Cardinals Baum, Ratzinger and Sin were appointed by John Paul II's predecessors, thus have prior experience in the election of a pope, and are still young enough to participate in the choice of John Paul's successor. Thanks for the correction.
Update: Armand Knight and Jakob Oehlenschlager point out in comments that Cardinals Baum, Ratzinger and Sin were appointed by John Paul II's predecessors, thus have prior experience in the election of a pope, and are still young enough to participate in the choice of John Paul's successor. Thanks for the correction.