Five Possible Candidates to be the Next Pope

The death of a Pope obviously brings with it both sadness and curiosity. Immediately after Pope Francis died this past Monday (April 21st) at the age of 88, the Catholic Church found itself needing a new leader. Francis was the first Latin American pontiff, serving for a dozen years. He had been in failing health.

“Who will be the next Pope?” is the question before the College of Cardinals, gathering at the Sistine Chapel to choose the 267th Bishop of Rome. There are currently 252 Cardinals, with those who are under the age of 80 (137) permitted to vote.

There’s no telling exactly how long this conclave lasts, as any “candidate” needs to receive at least two-thirds of the vote while the faithful in Vatican City and beyond anxiously await either black (no Pope) or white (Pope’s been chosen) smoke.  

Who is in Line to be Pope?

In this age of wagering on anything and everything, there are odds associated with who is going to be the next Pope. Go figure.

As of this writing, before the College of Cardinals begins its Conclave, there are two choices on the board. Filipino Prelate Luis Antonio Tagle (+115) and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin (3-2, or +150) are the ‘favorites,’ with Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze and Congolese Prelate Fridolin Ambongo Besungu both at 5-1 (+500).

Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Prelate Robert Sarah of Guinea and Italian Archbishop of Bologna Matteo Zuppi are “priced” at 7-1 (+700).

The over/under on number of election rounds needed is 4½ (over at -190, under at 7-5 [+140]). 

Who Takes Over After the Pope Dies?

The Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, of the Holy Roman Church, who is the overseer of the day-to-day calendar of Papal affairs and Administrator of the Vatican, essentially acts as interim Pope until the Papal conclave (see below) makes its decision on a new leader. 

There have been two Camerlengos who were subsequently elected Pope (Leo XIII and Pius XII).  

Has Anyone Ever Been Pope Twice?

Pope Benedict IX, dating back about a thousand years, was thrice Pope. Benedict was certainly not without scandals, including the selling of the Papacy (but that’s another story).  

What Happens When the Pope Dies?

Immediately after Pope Francis died this past Monday (April 21st), a series of ritualistic events unfolded, as the Vatican has strict transition rules.

Once the aforementioned Camerlengo (cardinal who oversees the day-to-day activities between papacies) verifies the death of the Pope, the Pope’s apartment is locked, and his fisherman’s ring and seal are destroyed to signal the conclusion of his reign. 

A mourning period (novemdiales) lasting nine days begins while the Pope lies in state, allowing both the papal staff and the public to view. His funeral includes a service with any number of worldwide dignitaries in attendance, with burial supposed to take place between the fourth and sixth days of this period. 

Pope Francis news included his desire to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Then, the task of selecting a new leader falls to the assembled conclave of cardinals.

Once a new Pope is elected, he is asked if he accepts the election and what name he chooses.

“Who will be the next Pope?” is answered when white smoke billows atop the Sistine Chapel signaling “Habemus Papam,” or “We have a new Pope.”

           
Any Final Thoughts?

Admittedly, a different sort of wager, next Pope odds certainly come with its share of intrigue. Exactly how long a bettor has to wait to see if he/she selects a winner remains to be seen.