World

Photo: Contributed - oddschecker.com

What are the odds?

It would seem oddsmakers and pundits are in agreement - Archbishop Angelo Scola is the favourite to be named the new Pope.

Numerous gambling websites are allowing you to place a wager on who will succeed Pope Benedict XVI.

Oddsmakers have pegged Scola, 71, the prohibitive favourite with odds ranging from 5/2 to 2/1.

Scola, the son of a socialist truck driver, was appointed Archbishop of Milan by Pope Benedict XVI two years ago.

Brazilian Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer is the bettors' second choice with odds running between 7/2 and 4/1.

Canadian contender, Cardinal Marc Ouellet is running as the fifth choice with odds of between 9/1 and 12/1.

At the present time, 115 Cardinals have made their way into their first secret conclave vote in the Sistine Chapel to begin the process of electing the 266th Pope.