An American Pope?

The current Pontiff Karol Wojtyla, John Paul II, is not long for this world.  He will pass peacefully in a very short time.

I'd like to ask DK'ers in the know, particularly Catholics and clergy of all denominations where they see the next pope coming from.  My personal sense is that we could see a break back to the Italians or a bold move and the appointment of an American pope.

I don't mean a Pope from the United States, by "American". I mean a Pope from the New World.  Most of the church's growth has been in Latin America and Africa recently.  Do we think that growth will be encouraged with a Latin American Pope or will the Cardinals retreat to a safer Italian choice?

Opinions? Addition: Newsweek has an opinion