Selecting the Pope

Book excerpt: An updated version of the compelling guide by award-winning author Greg Tobin. Tobin reveals all the rules and rituals involved in the secretive process of electing the pope, along with the rich history of the conclave and the key concerns that will shape the future of the Catholic Church. This edition features new information on the death and funeral of John Paul II, a revised and up-to-the-minute "Issues" section, and coverage of Pope Benedict’s most recent trip to the US, as well as a discussion of his relationship to the Islamic world. Plus, Tobin offers some thoughts on who the next pope might be, examining the potential contenders and hazarding some predictions.