Pope Benedict successor could be named sooner than expected
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VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican is raising the possibility that the conclave to elect the next pope might start earlier than March 15, the earliest date possible under current rules that require a 15-20 day waiting period after the papacy becomes vacant.
Vatican spokesman The Rev. Federico Lombardi said top officials can study the Holy See's constitution to determine whether such a rule change is possible. The 15-20 day rule is in place to allow time for the arrival in Rome of "all those (cardinals) who are absent."
But Lombardi noted that the cardinals already know that this pontificate will end on Feb. 28 and can get to Rome in plenty of time. He said the Vatican rules are open to interpretation and that "this is a question that people are discussing."
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:09:49 GMT
Neighbors in Waterville are shocked and afraid after a deadly home invasion early Saturday morning.34-year-old James Safadi was shot in his Waterville Township home and three suspects are still on the
Neighbors in Waterville are shocked and afraid after a deadly home invasion early Saturday morning.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:54:20 GMT
Verizon Wireless customers have been experiencing voice and data issues throughout the day on Saturday in Ohio.Customers in the Sandusky, Akron and Canton areas have seen an increased in dropped calls
Verizon Wireless customers have been experiencing voice and data issues throughout the day on Saturday in Ohio.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:48:22 GMT
A team that played football for years has reunited to pay tribute to their coach who died from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but
It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but the first without Calabrese, who died just days ago after a battle with ALS.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:22 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:22:38 GMT
Firefighters are investigating just what caused a garage fire in Springfield Township on Saturday.The fire broke out in the 700 block of Hammersmith Circle. No one was injured and the fire was contained
Firefighters are investigating just what caused a garage fire in Springfield Township on Saturday.
Saturday, May 18 2013 4:52 PM EDT2013-05-18 20:52:45 GMT
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) - The State Highway Patrol says nearly 20 vehicles crashed in a pileup on Interstate 70 in western Ohio, closing a portion of the highway's eastbound lanes for about four hours. A
The State Highway Patrol says nearly 20 vehicles crashed in a pileup on Interstate 70 in western Ohio, closing a portion of the highway's eastbound lanes for about four hours.
Saturday, May 18 2013 4:36 PM EDT2013-05-18 20:36:23 GMT
The Milan Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on the Turnpike near the 88 milepost in Rice Township.The crash happened around 10:30 Saturday morning when a Cadillac
The Milan Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash on the Turnpike near the 88 milepost in Rice Township.
Saturday, May 18 2013 4:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 20:19:21 GMT
DAMASCUS, Va. (AP) - Witnesses in southwestern Virginia say a car has driven into a crowd at a festival parade. Several people appeared to be hurt, but the nature of their injuries wasn't immediately
Witnesses in southwestern Virginia say a car has driven into a crowd at a festival parade. Several people appeared to be hurt, but the nature of their injuries wasn't immediately known.
Saturday, May 18 2013 3:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 19:53:01 GMT
CLEVELAND (AP) - Cleveland has landed another Hollywood film shoot and it could mean delays for motorists. The city warned drivers to be aware of staggered street closings beginning Saturday through June
Cleveland has landed another Hollywood film shoot and it could mean delays for motorists.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:06:39 GMT
The woman charged with shaking and injuring her infant son was back in court Friday, and angry protestors were there to greet her. Residents gathered outside the Wood County Common Pleas Court wearing
The woman charged with shaking and injuring her infant son was back in court Friday, and angry protestors were there to greet her.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:35 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:35:21 GMT
A Toledo man is accused of animal cruelty after he hit his pit bull with 2 by 4.Police say Donnie Britton was trying to break up a fight between two dogs by hitting them with a board. Both dogs were injured
A Toledo man is accused of animal cruelty after he hit his pit bull with 2 by 4.