In God's Name - Third World Cardinals

Third World Cardinals

Luciani had been elected pontiff largely through the support of Cardinals from the Third World, with whom he had shared a desire for a "Third World" Pope when he arrived at the Conclave that ultimately elected him John Paul I. The proposed candidate was Brazilian Cardinal Aloísio Lorscheider, but when his nomination failed to attract significant support, other Third World representatives switched their votes to Luciani, reasoning that he at least shared their sympathies. It has been suggested - not least in 'The Making of the Popes' - that the actual 'kingmaker' was the Archbishop of Florence, Cardinal Benelli, whom some observers had expected to make a play for the Papacy himself.