Reply #11: Bets were being taken on Benedict's successor right after his election

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Paddy Power was taking bets on Benedict's successor less than a day after Benedict's election. Back then the top six were Scola 6-1, Schonborn 7-1, Maradiaga 7-1, Bergoglio 9-1, Arinze 10-1, and Tettamanzi 25-1

Now according to their site the top six are Arinze 7-4, Turkson 6-1, Scola 6-1, Maradiaga 8-1, Bagnasco 12-1, and Bertone 14-1.

Of course a lot of times those who go into conclaves as Pope leave as Cardinal. It didn't happen last time but could happen the next time.

I think the best we can hope for is that whoever wins turns out to be more liberal than expected - someone who kept his head down and toed the party line until he was in an actual position to do some good.