Wilton Gregory, the popular and respected Archbishop of Atlanta, is one of several candidates in line to take over as Archbishop of New York, say those who watch Roman Catholic politics. Gregory would shatter one huge precedent if named Archbishop of New York, says Rocco Palmo, a Catholic journalist and blogger from Philadelphia with connections in the U.S. and Europe.
Gregory is African American, and every New York Archbishop since 1850 has been of Irish descent.
Ten or twelve names have been in the rumor mill since last fall, Palmo said.
"But consistently, since October or November, I've heard about Gregory at or near the the top of the list," he said.
Christopher Bellitto, a professor of church history at Kean University in New Jersey and a former employee of the Archdiocese of New York is hearing Gregory is somewhat lower on the list.
David Gibson author of "The Rule of Benedict," a biography of Pope Benedict XVI, said: "I'm hearing he's in the mix. It's hard to say how much of it is the wishful thinking of people in New York. He is seen as a very engaging and popular person. He is a good public persona. He is very popular with the people and church officials."
Gregory declined to comment, which is typical of those in line for advancement in the Catholic Church.
The process for reassignment is secretive, involving a study by the Pope's top man in the U.S. and consideration by 28 cardinals in Rome of a list of three names presented to them.
Typically, the cardinals put their two cents worth in and submit the names to the Pope, who can choose one among them or name someone not on the list.
The process can take months or years, depending on the speed of the studies and the decision by the Pope.
However, discontent in the New York church may hurry the process along. The current archbishop, Cardinal Edward Egan, has made some unpopular moves among the priests there and many have been put off by his imperious style, journalists report, including Palmo in his blog, whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com.
Egan has already handed in to Pope his resignation from the position last year.
Some believe now that the Pope has made his visit to New York, it may be time for him to make his decision.
"The indications I have, which the cardinal and his aides dispute, is that [the resignation] will be within a few months rather than years. But who knows," Gibson said.
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