Pontiff Parlay

[Bob Dole]

Who will be the next Pope?

Francis Arinze and Dionigi Tettamanzi are the favorites at 11-4.

There doesn't appear to be an American on the board.

Bet here (http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=show_type_by_main_market&category=SPECIALS&ev_class_id=45&id=520)

[Amnorix]

There doesn't appear to be an American on the board.


I heard a small part of a discussion on NPR regarding the next Pontiff. Apparently, Vatican thinking is that the US is already the world's run-away foremost Superpower. They don't need more leverage in world affairs. I also think that there is some resistance within the upper Catholic hierarchy to reward a country that isn't overwhelmingly Catholic, and that permits abortion, gay marriage in some states, etc.

They noted that the Cardinal of Chicago (no idea what his name is) would have been an excellent candidate for the Papacy, but anybody from the US is essentially foreclosed from the position.

:shrug:

Keep in mind, this is an international organization, and that although this is unfair, the Church has approximately 1.1 billion members to appeal to, and needs to spread their word even further throughout the world. Right now, the US and its relationship to the world is a divisive and polarizing influence. I cannot say I blame the church for making this decision, even if it is unfair to American Cardinals.

(and this is coming from no fan of the Catholic church or the Vatican, generally speaking).

[whoman69]

Realistically, the next pope will come from Italy, as all but John Paul II have in over 400 years.

[Bob Dole]

Realistically, the next pope will come from Italy, as all but John Paul II have in over 400 years.

Bob Dole sort of figures the same thing, especially given the length of the last reign.

[Amnorix]

For what it's worth, NPR also noted that it was unlikely the next Pope would be from Italy. They didn't view any of the Italian Cardinals as amazingly exceptional, I guess. I was a bit surprised to see one listed as the co-favorite.

No clue. I've now typed just about everythign that I heard on NPR regarding this...

I figure I should note that what I was listening to was a BBC broadcast where they were interviewing some supposed experts.

[Bob Dole]

Bob Dole will admit that he knows absolutely nothing of the politics or abilities of any of the candidates.

So are all of them free agents, or can specific diocese designate a franchise or transition Cardinal?

[Infidel Goat]

I'm guessing that it will be someone from a Latin American country.

If they pick Arinze, it will just make the Vatican look more out of touch with the AIDS problem in Africa unless they change their position on contraceptives.

Rodriguez Maradiaga or Castrillon Hoyos sound like good picks.

--Infidel Goat

[Ultra Peanut]

So how do you work your way up the political ladder to Cardinal and perhaps eventually Pope? I mean, do you have to sleep your way to the top?