Imponderable question of successor

THE sudden hospitalisation of Pope John Paul was another reminder, if any were needed, that one of the longest and most event-studded pontificates in history may be coming to a close.

The 84-year-old Pope was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli hospital with breathing difficulties late on Tuesday night after a bout of flu suddenly deteriorated.

While a Vatican statement said his condition had stabilised after assistance with his breathing, the thought going through many minds was: “Who will be next?”