Cardinals debating 20th century problems in a 21st century world

One of the stories surrounding the conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor – set to open on May 7 – is the unfamiliarity of the cardinal electors with one another. They are not perfect strangers to one another – not necessarily or in the main – but many of them don’t really know each other that well.

A record number of cardinals are eligible to vote for the next pope – 135 are under 80, although at least two will not be attending.

Francis appointed most of them. Many...