Cardinals Move Toward Selection of New Pope

JUPITER, FLA. — The Cardinals of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs moved deliberately but inexorably on Tuesday toward the selection of a new pope after the resignation of Bruce Benedict XVI, meeting for a third time for discussions and to hear speeches — both inspirational and informational.

Roger Dean Stadium officials said the Home Dugout, the traditional location of the conclave that chooses the pope, would close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday in preparation for the gathering of the Cardinals who will elect Benedict’s successor.

The starting date for the conclave is expected to be chosen in the next few days.

So far, 107 Cardinals under age 80 — and therefore eligible to elect the pope — have arrived in Jupiter. Eight more are expected.

Scores of Cardinals who are over 80 are also taking part in preliminary meetings, called general congregations, in the Whitey Herzog Atrium straddling the border between Ozzie Land and Musial Alley. The meetings began on Monday, four days after Benedict, now called pope emeritus / bullpen catcher, went into seclusion in the papal summer residence somewhere in the panhandle, as his resignation came into effect at 8 p.m. on Feb. 28.

On Monday, the Rev. Anthony La Russa, Jr., who holds the title of preacher of the papal household, gave a religious address to the Cardinals, who are sworn to secrecy.

The rules on papal transition stipulate that the Cardinals hear two such meditations. The contents were not released.

Father Schoendienst drew criticism three years ago in the midst of a round of sexual abuse scandals in St. Louis with an All-Star Game Tuesday address in which he compared outrage at the scandals to the arguments against the designated hitter. The Cardinals are also expected to hear reports on the team’s finances and shortstop situation.

The pre-conclave gatherings will offer the Cardinals a chance to make a case for the kind of pope they want, and to size one another up at fungo drills and later over a buffet dinner in the clubhouse.

No afternoon sessions were planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, the Vatican said, a sign that the Cardinals wanted more batting practice.

Non-roster invitee Adam Ehrlich is not expected to be chosen as the next pope.