Irish pope is called for in Los Angeles Times op-ed article

SeamusMor, I think St. Patrick's Day is doubtful. The Conclave cannot begin at the earliest until March 15th. I would guess, that a Conclave beginning on the 18th or 19th is more likely. However, if it is any early beginning, then the possibility of an Irish Pope (timed to the 17th) has a chance. Although the front runners are usually not electable, rarely is it a dark horse. Roncalli was different because the make up of the conclave was unusual and Angelo Roncalli was the compromise.

Oh, one more thing i remembered: Cardinal Archbishop Christoph Schönborn of Vienna also has an Irish great-great-great-grandmother, Lady Selina Meade (1797–1872), the daughter of Richard Meade, 2nd Earl of Clanwilliam (1766–1805). After the marriage, she was known as the Countess of Clam-Martinic.

Second Attempt to post: Michael D'Antonio and the "Irish Staff Writers" must be writing about some other Catholic Church. Certainly not the self-serving, pedophile protecting, self-centered, misogynist cardinals (did I say Greedy) of the Catholic Church that I still belong to. No way, No how! Besides, to the best of my knowledge Archbishop Martin is not a Cardinal and although not a prerequisite for the Papacy, it certainly has been a tradition over the past 750 year (Urban VI).

@TomSwinford: Instead of attending any mass in any vernacular and then claiming "Is that all there is." you need to study the meaning of the mass and figure out your role in it.

@TomSwinford: Instead of attending any mass in any vernacular and then claiming "Is that all there is." you need to study the meaning of the mass and figure out your role in it.

Michael D'Antonio and the "Irish Staff Writers" must be writing about some other Catholic Church. Certainly not the self-serving, pedophile protecting, self-centered, misogynist cardinals (did I say Greedy) of the Catholic Church that I still belong to. No way, No how! Besides, to the best of my knowledge Archbishop Martin is not a Cardinal and although not a prerequisite for the Papacy, it certainly has been a tradition over the past 750 year (Urban VI).

Unlike the title of this article suggests, I do not believe that just ANY Irish clergyman should be considered popeable. The disgust for people in other countries expressed in SOME of the posts here makes that questionable and would be inappropriate in a leader of the People of God. That said, I do agree with the content of the article that Archbishop Diarmuid Martin might prove to be what we the people need right now. Knowing, though, that he who goes into the conclave a pope, comes out a cardinal (ie, don't plan on anything). I believe that Cardinal Archbishop Marc Ouellet of Quebec and Cardinal Archbishop Christoph Schönborn of Vienna are also viable candidates.

Keith Cardinal O'Brien, born in Ireland,Archbishop of Edinburgh and St. Andrews, will be elected to fill the shoes of the fisherman on his birthday, March 17

Having met Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and having witnessed his integrity and courage in advocating for the victims of priest sexual abuse, in referring cases of priest sexual abuse to the police for investigation, and in making the predator priests accountable, I totally agree that Archbishop Diarmuid Martin would be an excellent Pope. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin was the trouble-shooter for the Vatican around the world, during the 30 years before he returned to Ireland as the Archbishop of Dublin. As a Catholic physician who has met many who were sexually abused by priests, I have seen that Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is focused on what Jesus would do, in his decision-making. Hierarchy in the USA and elsewhere have been focused on imitating the poor policies of the Pope and of the Vatican, rather than focusing on what Jesus would do, in regard to the clergy sexual abuse scandals. In my view, the Cardinals are all followers. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is a leader and would make a great Pope. Sincerely, Dr Rosemary Eileen McHugh, Chicago, Illinois, USA

tossing out a "narrow culture of clericalism" would entail what, precisely?

Actually God was misheard: He said 'celebrate' and not 'celibate'.

I am hoping the pope will be replaced with someone who has a much more modern and liberal perspective on life: celibacy is archaic, women should have the right to be priests, homosexuality/bisexuality/transgender is a natural process - not immoral or a sin, women's right to choose, etc.

I'm putting my money on Aemon Casey, ex Bishop of Galway: at least he's got a son to succeed him. Although Paddy Power is backing a black Pope.

I agree too. A good and a strong man. But I also wouldn't wish it on him.

Excellent suggestion but I doubt they have the courage to do so. From your lips to God's ears. He is a gem, They will choose a puppet pope I fear.