Choosing the Next Pope

 Peggy Noonan writes in the Wall Street Journal, "There is an old saying, God has already chosen the next pope, it’s up to the cardinals to figure out who God’s choice is. The historian observes: “That doesn’t mean they’ll figure it out.”

 James Taranto reports:

One American who does have the necessary qualifications to become pope is Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. The New York Post reports Dolan is downplaying his prospects:

At St. Patrick's Cathedral [Sunday], Dolan was asked about rumors that he would be named the first American pope when the College of Cardinals convenes next month to select Pope Benedict's successor.

"I'd say those are only from people smoking marijuana," Dolan said.

By tradition, the cardinals announce the selection of a new pope with a puff of white smoke. If the smoke is especially pungent, we'll know who it is.