The Pope’s unerring ability to keep the Church on its toes was evident in his announcement last week of a consistory next February – leaving months for potential candidates for appointments as cardinals not only to be speculated about, but prove their worthiness. And with far more candidates than places, what happens between now and February will be crucial Predicting the next consistory and the newest batch of cardinals is one of the favourite pastimes of those who follow the Vatican, but it is also the trickiest. The game is usually not up until the Pope officially announces the date of the much-anticipated ceremony and the names of those who will get the red hat. He usually does this at his Sunday Angelus or Wednesday general audience. And it’s usually just four or f