Jesuits to vote for 'Black Pope'
Pastor Dale Morgan
Jesuits to vote for 'Black Pope'*
By Malcolm Moore in Rome
Last Updated: 1:32am GMT 07/01/2008
A conclave to elect the new "Black Pope" begins in Rome on Monday, with
Jesuits from around the world gathering to choose a leader.
Pope Benedict and Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, the retiring leader of
the Jesuits
The Pope granted Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach's request to retire as
leader of the Jesuits
The nickname refers to the simple black vestments worn by the Jesuits
and to the power the leader holds.
The Society of Jesus, which was founded in the 16th century by St
Ignatius Loyola to be the "Pope's cavalry", is still the largest
clerical order in the Catholic Church, with almost 20,000 priests.
With a vast network of schools and universities, the Jesuits are
considered the educational and intellectual engine of the Church.
The outgoing leader, Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, 79, has served since
1983. He is the first head to ask to retire, a request granted by Pope
Benedict.
His successor could be from the developing world as of the 218 voters,
only 64 are from Europe.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, is one
possibility, having come second behind Benedict in the papal conclave.
Father Lisbert D'Souza of India is another. The leader should be named
this month.