The Next Consistory

Pope Pius is likely to call a new consistory early next year. With the death last week of Adeodato Cardinal Piazza, 73, the number of cardinals who have-died since the last consistory in 1953 rose to 13. For the past year rumors have buzzed about the Vatican that the college of cardinals would soon be brought back to its full strength of 70 members. The consistory seems more imminent because of 1) the death of the Vatican librarian, Giovanni Cardinal Mercati (TIME, Sept. 2), a scholar who understood Aramaic and the intricacies of racing cars and rocketry, which left the Vatican without a high-ranking scientific adviser during the rush of Sputnik-sparked technological developments; 2) the serious illness (since October) of Nicola Cardinal Canali, which reduced to one the number of active cardinal deacons.* Only ailing, half-blind Alfredo Cardinal Ottaviani, 67, now remains to stand in the deacons' place beside the Pope during long ceremonies.

Almost certainly, the Pope will appoint another science-minded cardinal to coordinate the activities of scientists within the church, represent the Vatican at scientific congresses and possibly, should the occasion arise, attend high-level international talks on atoms, armaments. The new scientist-cardinal is likely to be a Jesuit (the Society of Jesus produces many of the church's scientists). Possible choice: Australia's Father Daniel O'Connell, head of the Vatican Observatory. To replace ailing Cardinal Canali as deacon, the Pope will likely choose one of several Vatican monsignori. Among best bets for the remaining red hats: Archbishops Giovanni Battista Montini of Milan. Rufino Santos of Manila, Richard J. Gushing of Boston, Tatsuo Doi of Tokyo, William Godfrey of Westminster, Francis Koenig of Vienna, John Landazuri Ricketts of Lima, Peru, and Joseph Maria Bueno y Monreal of Seville. A Negro cardinal for Africa is likely; candidates include Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka of Uganda and Bishop Aloysius Bigirumwani of Nyundo.

A possibility that intrigues ecclesiastical handicappers: there may be more than twelve vacancies in the sacred college. In 1953 the Pope decided against enlarging the college's membership, but burgeoning church enrollment (nearly 500 million members claimed) and the Pope's policy in the 1946 and 1953 consistories of broadening the college's geographical representation may make necessary an increase of perhaps 20 members.

Third of the three orders of cardinals (first, cardinal bishops; second, cardinal priests). Among the duties of cardinal deacons: various administrative posts, assisting the Pope at solema pontifical Masses and other ceremonials.

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