1981: The Death of John Paul II

WI the failed assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II had succeeded? Obviously there would be a conclave in '81 instead of '05 (or was it '07?). Would Ratzinger still be elected to the Pontificate? Or would other cardinals shoe past him? IIRC, Joannus Paulus was originally supposed to be a "seat-warmer" while the College sorted out who was going to really lead the Church, but then surprised everyone, lived another quarter of a century, and died leaving pretty awesome shoes to fill. And, AFAIK, the College looks at Benedict as more of a seat-warmer as well. Would the College have elected another seat-warmer? Or would they have put their full backing behind someone they felt would genuinely lead the Church? How would this person respond to world events such as 9/11 or the 1994 Rwandan massacre or the collapse of international Communism?

I'm full of questions and so short on legitimate speculation.
 
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