Leading Papal Candidate 78 and a Former Hitler Youth Movement Member

Wow. Is the conclave sure they don't want me to be Pope?

From The Times of London:

THE wartime past of a leading German contender to succeed John Paul II may return to haunt him as cardinals begin voting in the Sistine Chapel tomorrow to choose a new leader for 1 billion Catholics.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, whose strong defence of Catholic orthodoxy has earned him a variety of sobriquets — including “the enforcer”, “the panzer cardinal” and “God’s rottweiler” — is expected to poll around 40 votes in the first ballot as conservatives rally behind him.

Although far short of the requisite two-thirds majority of the 115 votes, this would almost certainly give Ratzinger, 78 yesterday, an early lead in the voting. Liberals have yet to settle on a rival candidate who could come close to his tally.

Have you seen this fellow? He totters. He has the warmth of Machiavelli. He's 78 friggin' years old.

Remember: vote Chase for a Change and don't make my Papal election signified with pink smoke either, busters.