Will The Next Pope Be From Latin America? - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Will The Next Pope Come From Latin America, Africa?

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Parishioners coming out of mass at Our Lady of Angels cathedral in downtown Los Angeles Monday reacted with shock as Archbishop Jose Gomez confirmed the first resignation of a Catholic Pope in 600 years.

Many are sad that the reason behind Pope Benedict XVI stepping down seems to be health related, but quite a few see it as an opportunity for a new first -- a pope from Latin America or Africa.

"Picking someone from Latin America would be a good idea," said one church goer.

Archbishop Gerhard Mueller, who now holds the Pope's old post as Head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, said "The universal church teaches that Christianity isn't centered on Europe."

Among possibilities: Odilo Scherer, Archbishop of the huge diocese of São Paulo, or the Italian Argentine Leonardo Sandri, high in the Vatican hierarchy.

Read More: BuzzFeed.com's List Of Potential Popes

Latin America represents almost half of the world's Catholics, the largest single block in the Church, compared to 25% in Europe.

If it were Africa's turn, Peter turns on from Ghana, seems to be the front runner.

From the US, Timothy Dolan, Archbishop from New York, would be a favorite, although the Vatican may not be ready for his backslapping American humor.

 

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