The Pope is dead the Church is well.

Pope John-Paul II was more than a man. He was an institution. Kind of a living Icon. And He was one smart dude. Using 20th century tech He reached out to the world and kept the church an equal to any world power. Traveling everywhere, His message of peace was heard but sadly ignored.
It is said He helped to topple the Berlin wall and communism but I think economics had more to do with it. While His techniques were today, His philosophy was conservative and very yesterday.

He was a great man but it's not rude to think that the Vatican may be relieved to feel that a more progressive Pope might take the helm.

Let's face it, the Catholic Church has problems. It has lost followers in America and other western nations due to it's conservative teachings, but is still doing well in developing nations. But these nations are developing at a rapid rate and if Rome wants to keep it's role it is going to have to change it's tune.

The conclave is going to be an interesting place.

Adaven