DOWNTOWN - Pittsburghers want one of their own in the top spot of the Vatican, and they are willing to give up a Lombardi Trophy to sweeten the deal, a new poll indicates.
Donald Cardinal Wuerl was the wildly-popular bishop of Pittsburgh before he became archbishop of Washington, DC. He was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, who announced he will step down at the end of February. That has set off speculation of who will be selected the next Pope.
"I think it'd be great," retired school teacher Susie Messner said today. "He's a local boy who made good. He's holy. I've been to every one of his installations, and I wouldn't mind a Spring trip to Rome."
But as is the case for many institutions, politics will come into play in the selection. "I know they just don't pick the holiest guy," Messner said. "If we have to add a few incentives, we will. I'm even willing to throw a Lombardi Trophy into the mix."
Messner is not alone, as 87% of Pittsburgh Catholics agree with her. It is unclear if Vatican officials understand what a Lombardi Trophy is, but "They should. How could they not know the Rooneys? They had a priest in the family, and that's gotta count for something over there. Maybe Dan Rooney could put in a good word for Wuerl, as long as it doesn't take too much time from him trying to fix the offense."
The conclave to elect a new Pope will be held in mid-March, and outsiders will not know the result until the new pontiff appears on a Vatican balcony. But Messner sees a possible Wuerl selection as good for him, the city, and its favorite team.
"I'm sure it'd be good for the Steelers, even if we'd be down to five trophies temporarily. Wuerl would have God's ear. I'm sure he'd let God know to send a few more Lombardi's our way."
