Holy Betting: Who Will Be The Next Pope?

Yesterday shockwaves were felt across the globe when Pope Benedict XVI unexpectedly announced his resignation. Ratzinger, who was elected Pope at the fragile age of 78, explained that he was resigning due to ill health.The last time a Pope resigned was in the Middle Ages, so Pontiff 85's announcement left the Vatican stunned. Ratzinger announced he will step down on the 28th of February, after eight years' service, leaving the papacy vacant behind him.

The Biggest Non-Sports Bet of the Decade: Who will replace Pope Benedict XVI?

Just one day after the Pope's sudden announcement, the betting industry already anticipate this to be the biggest non-sports bet of the decade, bigger than the US Presidential bet. So, who will be the next Pope?

Here are the next Pope betting odds from William Hill Special Sports bets:

Peter Turkson, Ghana

Looking like the top runner is Peter Turkson from Ghana. Turkson is known for openly supporting the Occupy Wall Street protest. He is also somewhat of a TV personality in Ghana. Should he be elected, Turkson would be the first African Pope in modern history. 

The odds of Turkson winning are 3/1

Marc Ouellet, Canada

68-year-old Oullet is the former archbishop of Quebec. Nowadays he is considered one of the most important people in Vatican 

The odds of Ouellet being elected as Pope are 7/2.

Francis Arinze, Nigeria

Arinze had been hotly tipped to become Pope back in 2005 but was beaten to the post by the current Pope Benedict XVI. Today, he stands in third place with odds of 4/1 at bookies William Hill.