There is speculation that Roman Catholic cardinals will, for the first time in the modern era, choose a pope who is not from Europe.
Speculation centers on a pope from Latin America or Africa, although the next pope also could come from Asia. The majority of Catholics worldwide now live in Latin America and Africa.
In theory, geography does not matter. The Catholic Church is not bound by national borders. But a gesture such as choosing a pontiff from Latin America clearly would have great meaning.
Perhaps of even greater import is the question whether the next pope will take the church in new directions on social issues. Will the next pope condone birth control, for example, or promote the use of condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases?
Many voices, including from within the church, think priests should be allowed to marry and that women should be welcomed into the priesthood.
Those would be momentous breaks with tradition. Would they splinter the church or strengthen it? Some thought the church might be ready for such changes when Pope John Paul II died, but Pope Benedict XVI proved to be a traditionalist.
However, Pope Benedict did make one major break with tradition when he resigned. That change could lead to others.
What do you think? Will the next pope change the church’s direction? Take our poll and/or leave a comment.