Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the world's first Jerusalem-born Cardinal, has burst onto papal succession talk, presenting the intriguing possibility of a pope with deep roots in Christianity's birthplace.
While he's a good decade younger than the usual suspects, this quietly impressive Italian-born cleric with 35 years in Jerusalem has become the conclave's dark horse candidate. Ironically, it's the grim backdrop of Middle East violence that's thrust him into the spotlight, showcasing his unique brand of compassionate pragmatism.
