CANADA
CBC News
Three Canadian cardinals will be part of the conclave to elect a new Pope, and one is considered a leading contender to take over after Benedict XVI steps down Feb. 28.
The selection of a Canadian as pontiff would be unprecedented. A non-European cardinal has never been chosen to lead the church.
The Canadians involved in the decision-making process are Cardinal Thomas Collins from Toronto, and Cardinals Jean-Claude Turcotte and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, both from Quebec.
In a rare move, Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign on Feb. 28, citing his deteriorating strength and health. The last pontiff to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Great Western Schism among competing papal claimants.
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