Pomp, tears, tingles and high drama. Something historic is in the air as the planet waits breathlessly for a seminal announcement from a conclave of elders pondering in private. Already, there is specula- tion about a successor, and many names have been suggested. Yet transferring leadership carries risks for a storied institution making its way tenuously in this infant millen- nium. History must be honored and traditions of long-standing upheld in a process shrouded in secrecy. As a final step, the chosen one—whom millions will be urged to follow and adore—must embrace the vestments of this golden office and utter the word accepto.
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