ANSWER by Mrs. Suzanne Fortin, B.A. on January 23, 2001

Dear Ron The Church will technically allow any celibate male to be elected pope. But in reality, the pope is chosen among the bishops of the world, usually the cardinals. No American cardinal is touted as a likely successor of the pope, but you never can tell. The Holy Spirit has a way of surprising us. Thank you for your question. God Bless, Suzanne Fortin