A Pope within Seven Days!

Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, says there will be an announcement shortly after 1 p.m. today Eastern time of the date of the conclave. He said that he thought the date was likely to be next Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday — which means there will almost certainly be a new pope by next Friday. (Over the past century, three- or four-day conclaves have been unusual. It’s usually wrapped up by the end of the second full day of voting.)