'The Rat Pack' Backing German Cardinal

German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger had a solid block of 'rat pack acardinals behind his nomination for new pope, Italian newspapers reported today. Anonymous sources, say 40 to 50 cardinals are backing the conservative Ratzinger -still be shy of the two-thirds majority, or 77 votes needed.

Blocs opposed to Ratzinger have not united around a single name. Leading candidates appear to include Cardinal Claudo Hummes, 70, of Brazil and Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, 62, of Honduras.