Pope John Paul II's successor is already the subject of informal negotiations among the College of Cardinals. In Passing the Keys, Burkle-Young illustrates how the process of electing modern popes operates, providing in-depth case histories of the elections of the popes from Leo XIII in 1878 to John Paul II in 1978. Burkle-Young explores the most pressing theological issues-including the current state of the priesthood and the debates waged over contraception and women as priests and bishops-that now guide the College and influence the future of the Vatican.