The senior Vatican official who spoke to NCRsaid it is possible there will be an appointment within the next two weeks, and that two-three names are still under consideration. He declined to identify those names. In any event, the official said, it is almost certain that a decision will be made before the Vatican's traditional summer break in August. The only thing that could prolong matters, the official said, is if the pope's choice for the job turns it down and the process has to begin again. The decision-making structure of the Vatican had been out of town June 5-9 for the pope's trip to Croatia. Consideration of the Boston appointment, along with other business, will resume June 10.
