Madrid, Spain, Mar 4, 2013 / 12:22 pm
Spain's ambassador to the Holy See, Eduardo Gutierrez Saenz de Buruaga, said after meeting with the Spanish cardinals that they are "very hopeful" as they approach the upcoming conclave.
While the papal election has no clear favorite to be the next Pontiff, Ambassador Gutierrez told Spanish television on March 1, the cardinals "intend to find a successor to Benedict XVI as smoothly and as quickly as possible."
"They don't want to rush but they are aware that it should not go on for too long," he explained.
Regarding the chances that a Spanish cardinal would be elected to the papacy, Gutierrez said the conclaves "are open" and that "all cardinals who meet the requirements to be Pope under Canon Law have a chance."