Vatican Guessing Game

Since Pope John Paul II fell and injured his shoulder last month, the inevitable speculation has begun about possible successors to the 73-year-old Pontiff. If the election were held this week, 105 Cardinals under age 80 would be eligible to vote for and serve as the next Pope. Among the most mentioned:

-- CARLO MARIA MARTINI, 66, Italy

Pluses: As Archbishop of Milan, he heads Europe's largest diocese. An intellectual heavyweight.

Minuses: May be too liberal. Would be the first Jesuit Pope.

-- ANGELO SODANO, 66, Italy

Pluses: Vatican Secretary of State, nominally the No. 2 spot.

Minuses: Lacks Martini's high profile.

-- BERNARDIN GANTIN, above, 71, Benin

Plus: Known for hard work, holiness. The church sees growth in Africa.

Minuses: The Holy See may not be ready for a black Pope.

-- FRANCIS ARINZE, 61, Nigeria

Pluses: Heads Vatican's council for interreligious dialogue; familiar with the world of Islam.

Minuses: Considered too young by some.

-- JEAN-MARIE LUSTIGER, 67, France

Pluses: A Jewish convert to Catholicism; intellectually brilliant.

Minuses: A Frenchman.