The speculation over who will be the next pope is often a preoccupation of the Italian press. Newspapers up and down the peninsula love to handicap the race for the cardinal who is thought to be the most likely candidate to be elected pope. Indeed, the Italian term papabile, coined by Vatican watchers, has become mainstream over the last few decades.
Which man is “pope-able” (that is, able to become pope) is often debates in Rome and anywhere Roman Catholics gather. Who will follow Pope Francis? The pontiff turns 84 in December, fueling speculation over who his replacement will be once he dies and the College of Cardinals meets to elect a new leader.
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