The Catholic Church's first female cardinal may be Irish.
There is international speculation that 49 year old Linda Hogan (above), the vice-Provost of Trinity College, who's from Callan, in Co Kilkenny, may be appointed, with the Washington Post and Sunday Times both reporting the story.
Another name being suggested is former President Mary McAleese.
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Theologian Gina Menzies says Linda Hogan is a respected academic who would be a challenging appointment to the College of Cardinals:
