Aside from Scherer, other leading Latin American possibilities include Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 69, head of the Vatican's office for Eastern rite churches, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and Brazilian Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, 65, who has earned praise as head of the Vatican's office for religious congregations.

NPR: Brazil Papal Contender: Place Of Birth Irrelevant

Cokie Roberts, also speaking on Morning Edition, noted that Benedict, as Cardinal Ratzinger, had served as the de facto power behind the throne during the final years of his predecessor Pope John Paul II.

FORBES: Pope Benedict: Leadership Lesson for People in Power

As cardinal, Francis clashed with the government of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over his opposition to gay marriage and free distribution of contraceptives.

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As cardinal, Bergoglio clashed with the government of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over his opposition to gay marriage and free distribution of contraceptives.

CNN: March 13, 2013 -- Updated 2307 GMT (0707 HKT)

As a cardinal, he clashed with the government of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over his opposition to gay marriage and free distribution of contraceptives.

CNN: March 15, 2013 -- Updated 0736 GMT (1536 HKT)

The Decumani Hotel de Charme is fresh, elegant and in the former palazzo of Cardinal Sisto Riario Sforza, the last bishop of the Bourbon Kingdom of Naples.

BBC: Mini guide to Naples, Italy