Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson Favored To Become The Next Pope

The recent passing of Pope Benedict XVI has reignited speculation that the current Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, may retire due to health concerns. When Pope Benedict XVI retired at the age of 85 in 2013, he became the first Pope to do so in 600 years. This new precedence spurred questions for Pope Francis when he began suffering ailments that forced him to use a wheelchair. A knee fracture as well as ligament damage and inflammation has become serious enough to warrant knee replacement surgery. But Pope Francis has indicated that he is unwilling to undergo such a procedure because the last major surgery he had on his colon led to negative side effects from the anesthesia.   

This summer Pope Francis traveled to Canada for a month this summer and afterwards said, “At my age and with these limitations, I have to save [my energy] to be able to serve the church or, on the contrary, think about the possibility of stepping aside.” Those statements coupled with the passing of Pope Benedict XVI have renewed sportsbook interest in who will become the 267th “Bishop of Rome.” 

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, the former Archbishop of St. Louis, and Cardinal Dolan, the current Archbishop of New York, are the only contenders that are viewed as legitimate candidates from the United States. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the former Archbishop of Quebec, had previously been considered the top North American candidate, but a recent sexual misconduct scandal has nearly tanked his chances. As a conservative candidate, Cardinal Burke, has earned a reputation as a noted traditionalist. In the wake of the Ouellet scandal, the College of Cardinals may be willing to consider a more conservative candidate. In terms of a conservative track record, Cardinal Dolan has opposed gay marriage, abortion and birth control policies. His recent trips to Ukraine to speak out against the war with Russia also demonstrate his vitality and international prominence, only solidifying his candidacy. 

As a reminder, The College of Cardinals selects a Pope when the previous one dies or resigns. The Cardinals meet several times and then vote by secret ballot, in four separate rounds. Once a candidate receives a two-thirds majority a new Pope has been crowned. If no one receives the necessary two-thirds of the vote, the ballots are burned in the chapel stove, which produces black smoke. This smoke is visible to the public and signifies that a new Pope has not yet been chosen. When a candidate is selected white smoke is emitted and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica ring to signal a new pontiff. Burning of modern chemical compounds allows for the white smoke.