Is Cardinal Ruini (Vicar Of Rome) a media genius, or what?

Historically, the Vicar of Rome walks out and announces the death of a Pope. That's his job on the day the Pope dies.

More recently, Vicars of Rome have made the announcement on Vatican TV & Radio.

Cardinal Ruini, who's a top contender for the papacy, has been on World TV all afternoon.

First, when the world expected him to make his announcement, he instead celebrated mass in honor of John Paul II.

And the TV cameras rolled on and on...

Next, when everyone assumed he was going to St. Peter's Square to address the crowd, he instead conducted a Rosary.

And the TV cameras rolled on and on...

Cardinal Camillo Ruini,
The Vicar Of Rome

Cardinals aren't allowed to campaign or even discuss papal succession while the Pope is alive.

They can't even vote for themselves.

Today, Ruini has managed to focus the world on John Paul's papacy, as well as cement his own name in the minds of everyone in the world watching TV for news of the Pope's imminent death.

Sincere?

Maybe.

Media Genius?

Definitely!