Cardinal Raymond Burke, a native of Frank Lloyd Wright's hometown, Richland Center, Wis., is worth keeping an eye on when the Conclave of Cardinals next elects a new Pope, whenever Francis I steps down and/or passes. Known for his statement saying he'd deny John Kerry Holy Communion, during the Presidential Campaign of 2004, due to Kerry's support for abortion, Raymond Burke has been doing many things, most of them quietly, to garner support of the Cardinals, inclusive of the Italian Cardinals. He's held many positions in Rome, in addition to directing the Dioceses of La Crosse and St. Louis, Currently, he is Head of the Vatican Supreme Court, the first such American Head. Also, he has strong support in Latin America, due to missions and orphanages he assigned while he was a Bishop/Archbishop. Also, he built a very expensive, but very beautiful shrine in La Crosse, dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. What makes him more-powerful than some may believe, is that he is extremely personable when you deal with him one-on-one. When he was installed as Bishop of the La Crosse Diocese in Feb. 1995, I photographed the reception for him at the La Crosse Center for the Catholic "Times Review". My very first photo of him shows Bp. Burke sneaking in a door clearly marked "Exit", wearing his plain priestly blacks (including hat) with white collar. I've photographed him many times since then, and from my first meeting of him, I began telling listeners, "This man will probably be the first US Pope." We'll see if that early estimation of him by me proves accurate. I hope so, because he is a much-better administrator and person than his enemies suggest, and he is likely the best native-US candidate to oversee the entire Roman Catholic Church. Some people may not agree with his every stated idea, but he is a much better and more influential Church thinker and leader than some media have said. The Diocese of La Crosse includes Richland Center, and I was born and raised in La Crosse, like my son. We believe in our residents and former residents very much generally. Cardinal Ray Burke should be the first US Pope, when the times comes. By David Joseph Marcou.