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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - Although not mentioned as a top papal contender himself, the cardinal from the Dominican Republic will likely make his voice heard during the conclave to choose the next pontiff, urging his fellow cardinals to elect a pope who will focus on Latin America, religious leaders say.
Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez has the clout to help rally the cardinals from Latin America and the Caribbean around a single candidate, those leaders say. Lopez Rodriguez served as vice president and president of the Latin American Episcopal Council — which groups bishops and cardinals from 22 countries across the region — from 1987 to 1995.
The 68-year-old cardinal has publicly called for a pope who would bring attention to Latin America, though he has stopped short of insisting the pontiff be a native of the region.
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