By Mirembe Martina
Pope Benedict XVI announced he was going to step down from papacy at the end of this month, 28th February at 7pm. The surprise resignation took the Vatican by surprise and the rest of the world and calls to who will replace the pope took precedence.
There are several candidates who are rumored to be among the viable next pope of the Catholic church. Below are some of the prospective candidates for the seat of the pope.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet
Cardinal Marc Ouellet from Canada is the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, formerly Archbishop of Quebec aged 68. He is ranked by Power Paddy 5/2. He is one of the most qualified, speaks English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and German fluently.
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson from Ghana is the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace aged 64. According to Paddy Power, he is ranked 4/1. He is a superstar in the College of Cardinals, a great communicator, and symbol of the global reach of the Church.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri from Argentina is the President of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches who works with Catholics who celebrate Eastern-style liturgies. He is aged 69 and is ranked at 5/1. He has extremely powerful and influential allies within the Curia, including Cardinal Secretary of State Bertone and speaks well in five languages.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi from Italy is the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture aged 70. He is ranked 6/1. He’s a highly-regarded Italian.
Cardinal Angelo Scola from Italy is the Archbishop of Milan aged 71. He is ranked at 7/1. He has a strong theological background in his family.
Cardinal Tarsicio Bertone from Italy is the Secretary of State aged 78 and is ranked at 12/1. He is most responsible for appointing a large bloc of Italian elector-Cardinals, and he where every body is buried.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan from the United States of America is the Archbishop of New York aged 63. Power Paddy ranks him at 25/1. He is perceived as one of the best and most gregarious communicators in the College of Cardinals.
A new pope is expected to be ready by Easter, the Vatican communicated yesterday.
