Speculations

In response to an email from a friend asking if the final two candidates were from Mexico:

There's really no such thing as a "final papal candidate." They don't campaign, and they don't have finalists. Every single member of the Sacred College is a candidate until the end, and even then the chosen cardinal has to accept the decision before it is final. There are a few Latin American cardinals who have been considered likely choices, such as Hummes and Maradiaga, but all we can say about them is that they seem to have demonstrated some of the leadership qualities sought in a papal successor. The problem with such speculations is that we all have different definitions of what leadership qualities are most desirable. That's why we entrust the decision to the Holy Spirit, who knows far better than we what lies in the heart of each of these men.

A less charitable outlook on the conclave would suggest that there are election strategies afoot. For example, cardinal-electors from Latin America might set up a voting bloc to push forward the candidate they prefer. I believe that all such attempts to control the outcome and all such speculations about these attempts will be confounded at the end of the day. When the doors to the balcony open and the Camerlango announces, "Habemus Papam!"-- we must pray for the man who emerges from the interior, whose Cross has just been hoisted upon his shoulders, no matter who he is. Because anyone who hungrily seeks papal power does not comprehend what he's asking. And anyone who comprehends the task at hand will surely be in tears.