Before the papal conclave, horse-trading has begun

Sunday, March 10, 2013 | 3:41 p.m. CDT

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican insists that the cardinals participating in the upcoming conclave will vote their conscience, each influenced only by silent prayers and reflection. Everybody knows, however, that power plays, vested interests and Machiavellian maneuvering are all part of the game, and that the horse-trading is already under way.

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