The succession: Cardinal Francis Arinze (1-11-1932), Prefect Congregation of the Divine Cult, Nigerian Ever since the Vaticanologist, the late Peter Hebblethwaite pointed to him as potentially "papabile" in an article in this newspaper 10 years ago, the name of Cardinal Arinze (71) has figured in speculation about the next Pope.
That prominence, however, seems to owe more to the possibility of his being the first black Pope in history than to widespread support within the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal Vinko Puljic, (8-9-1945), Archbishop of Sarajevo, Bosnian
When appointed cardinal in October 1994, at the height of the Bosnian war, he was a hugely symbolic choice as well as becoming the then youngest member of the College of Cardinals. His election would send a strong message about the church's message of peace and reconciliation. More than his relative youth - he is 59 - the fact that he is an east European may tell against him. It seems unlikely that the cardinals would choose two successive east Europeans as Pope.
Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga (29-12-42), Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduran
Highly articulate on social justice issues, Cardinal Maradiaga (61) is an impressive, passionate speaker who recently received a standing ovation at a meeting of Caritas workers in Rome. A multi-linguist, he once said that "neo-liberal capitalism carries injustice and inequality in its genetic code". Perhaps his relative youth, more than his strong views on the North-South divide, will work against him.
Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio (17-12-36), Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentine
A Jesuit and someone who originally trained as a chemist, he came across as a rather academic, quiet-spoken figure during the October 2001 Synod. For all that, he is widely respected in the Latin-American church and that in itself is enough to make him a candidate. At 68, he is also one of the "younger" candidates.
Cardinal Godfried Danneels (4-6-1933), Archbishop of Brussels, Belgian
A liberal candidate who might find widespread support. Though apparently out of the running for some while, a call by Cardinal Godfried Danneels (71) at the 1999 Synod for Europe for a Catholicism that confronts modern man's ontological anxieties was well received, as were his contributions to the extraordinary Consistory of 2001.
Cardinal Christophe Schoenborn (24-1-1945), Archbishop of Vienna, Austrian
If the College of Cardinals looked for a relatively young man, conservative Cardinal Schoenborn (60) might be the choice. The possibility that he could last on the seat of Peter for up to 30 years, if elected, would seem to weigh against him rather more than the fact that he is a Dominican. Not everyone in his native Austria understands why he features on the papal shortlist.
Cardinal Ivan Dias (14-4-1936), Archbishop of Bombay, Indian
A tough-speaking, multilingual and cosmopolitan churchman, who served in the Vatican's diplomatic corps as papal nuncio in Korea and Albania. Described as a rare theological traditionalist on an Indian Catholic landscape, where more liberal views sometimes prevail. If the cardinals want to send a strong message with their choice of Pope then, as an Indian, he fits the bill. It remains to be seen what India's majority Hindu and Islamic communities would make of the choice.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano (23-11-1927), Secretary of State, Italian
The classic "safe-hands" choice, Cardinal Sodano (76) is widely perceived as an extremely able diplomat and bureaucrat, who has steered the church through this "end of pontificate" phase in the role of Vatican prime minister. Strong reservations remain about his capacities as an inspirational evangelist.
Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, (14-3-1934), Archbishop of Milan, Italian
Designated by Vatican insiders as the leading Italian candidate, Cardinal Tettamanzi (70) appears to be viewed sympathetically by influential lay organisations such as Opus Dei. His recent appointment as successor to Cardinal Martini in the archdiocese of Milan may be significant. Some non-Italian non-curia bishops seem less enthusiastic, to judge by one bishop who, when told recently that the cardinal would be the next Pope, replied: "Not that fat wee fellow."
Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega Y Alamino (18-10-36), Archbishop of Havana, Cuban
Cardinal Ortega (68) would represent an intriguing if not to say controversial choice. Much respected for his cautious defiance of Cuba's communist regime and for his ability to maintain a dialogue both with resident Cubans and with the US-based exile community, he spent time in a Castro labour camp during a period known to Cuban Catholics as "the silencing of God". Orthodox on doctrinal matters, he could emerge as the Latin-American lobby's conclave choice.
Cardinal Claudio Hummes, (8-8-34), Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazilian
A Franciscan and liberal, Cardinal Hummes (70) has a track record of having opposed Brazil's military regimes, supporting workers' strikes, defending Sem Terra (the landless movement) and enjoying good relations with President Lula. He has been described as a perfect mix of doctrinal caution and social engagement.
Cardinal Walter Kaspar (5-3-1933), President of the Pontifical Council for Promotion of Christian Unity, German
If Cardinal Walter Kaspar (71) was to succeed John Paul II, his election would be seen as a triumph for the liberal, reformist wing, since he has shown himself to be open-minded in his work for Christian unity.
One Vatican colleague, in reference to the popular cartoon figure "Caspar, the friendly Ghost", has already dubbed him "Kaspar, the friendly Cardinal".
Cardinal Nicolas De Jesus Lopez Rodriguez (31-10-36), Archbishop of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic
Another serious Latin-American candidate, whose traditional doctrinal views have not stopped him taking a critical line with both the government and military of the Dominican Republic.
That he campaigned hard for the Dominican Republic to institute the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25th, as a national holiday says much about his doctrinal stance. Could emerge as a compromise conservative choice.