Pope Paul VI introduced the rule more than 50 years ago. The rule, which went into effect Jan. 1, 1970, increased the chances for the next Pope to be non‐Italian and, possibly, a progressive. The rule eliminated 25 Cardinals who on Jan. 1 would be at least 80 from any conclave convened after that date to choose a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Eleven of those Cardinals were Italians. Most of these and of the 14 non‐Italian Cardinals in the group were rightwing conservatives. Francis was the first to be liberal and non-European, so it’s slowly but surely working as hoped. With luck, the next Pope will also be liberal and non-European, building on Francis’ legacy.