The path to an American pope? Cardinal's elevation gives US clout at Vatican

ROME — The red, or rather scarlet, carpet will be rolled in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday for the elevation of six cardinals.

The new so-called "princes of the church" will receive their ring, scarlet skullcap and the traditional biretta, a four-cornered hat, in a solemn ceremony presided by Pope Benedict XVI.

The ceremony won't only be a rare insight into one of the oldest and most colorful traditions in the Catholic Church, which with 1.1 billion adherents worldwide, represents more than half of the world's Christian population.

It will also redefine the balance of power in the Catholic Church, and further increase the United States' influence in the election of the next pope.

full story :  The path to an American pope? Cardinal's elevation gives US clout at Vatican