The City Gates

Who will be the next Pope? Advice for oddsmakers

By Phil Lawler (bio - articles - send a comment) | February 11, 2013 2:11 PM

1. Don’t waste your time reading about the bookies who are already taking bets. The bookies are just trying to stir up a little action.

2. Don’t pay too much attention to the stories in the mainstream press about the “leading candidates,” either. Some offer a plausible list of papabili; others are so completely uninformed that they’re humorous. But all these stories are pure speculation.

3. Relax. With nearly a month to go before the conclave, we have plenty of time to learn more about the cardinals—as, indeed, they have time to learn more about one another. A lot of opinions could change in the next few weeks.

4. Relax a little more. The Holy Spirit is in charge. It doesn’t much matter who we think will be the next Pope. We’ll find out soon enough.

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