Giovanni Cardinal Benelli
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Template:Mergefrom Giovanni Cardinal Benelli (Poggiole di Vernio, diocese of Pistoia, May 12, 1921-October 26, 1982) was one of many Italian cardinals believed to be among the papabili, those considered electable to the Papacy, at the Papal conclaves of 1978.
A native of Poggiole di Vernio, Italy, Benelli began his priestly career during the Second World War in 1943. He quickly impressed the Church and rose through the ranks.
At age 45, Benelli was named Papal Nuncio to Senegal. Shortly after his appointment, he joined the Roman Curia as sostituto in the Secretariat of State, a powerful position in which he worked closely with Pope Paul VI. He served in this role for ten years. In 1977, Benelli was named Archbishop of Florence and became a cardinal in a small consistory Paul held almost immediately thereafter. Upon Paul's death on August 6, 1978, Benelli was considered the favorite to replace him.
Instead, the conclave elected Pope John Paul I. When a second conclave convened following the new Pope's sudden death after a reign of only 33 days, Benelli was once again considered a favorite to succeed due to his close ties to Paul and his Italian heritage. The position instead went to Karol Cardinal Wojtyła, who took the name Pope John Paul II.
Benelli continued as Cardinal Archbishop of Florence until he was felled by a sudden heart attack in 1982.
See also
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