Problems with papal succession have dogged the church throughout its history. In the past it has led to wars, schisms and intrigue. Often, bribery, poison or the dagger decided who became pope.
Copyright 2005 NPR
Mike Shuster is an award-winning diplomatic correspondent and roving foreign correspondent for NPR News. He is based at NPR West, in Culver City, CA. When not traveling outside the U.S., Shuster covers issues of nuclear non-proliferation and weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and the Pacific Rim.