Name: Raymond Burke
Date of Birth: 6/30/1948
Place of Birth: Wisconsin, USA
Current Position: Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura
Current Location: Rome
Pro: From principal of his local catholic high school to chief justice of the highest court in cannon law; a measured intellect that knows how to apply both justice and mercy to any difficult situation; has sounded a strong voice in cleaning up the church’s mess in light of sex-abuse scandals. A respected man among Europeans who simply isn’t viewed as “too American”. Does not consider Milwaukee’s Best to be a real beer.
Con: Too smart for his own good—those who fear being brought to light would avoid Burke’s sensible judgments; not particularly charismatic; he’s an American and Milwaukee Brewers fan, which has never served the Papacy very well. The exiting Pope pulls for the Tigers (yes, surprisingly so…).