De pope is de dead.

[Mike]

There's some worry amongst young Catholics (of whom I'm not, but I have many friends) in that most of the prominent cardinals are not as intune with the youths of the world, something that John Paul II was moreso than any other Pope, arguably, any other prominant man. Additionally, there are few eligible Cardinals who are as moderate, or willing to bend--while still holding to strict values--as John Paul II was... Many are either rather liberal or rather conservative, and the Catholic Church does not need a liberal Pope (though, neither do they NEED a Conservative Pope, I just think, with the nature of Catholicism; ignoring the Chrisis from year's past; A liberal Pope would not be particularly good for the faith right now).

It's an exciting time, Catholic or not.