Bets pile in on favorites for the new pope

The new pope will reportedly be chosen this week, and the world of eager bystanders and press watchers is converging on the Vatican for the first word on the new church overseer.

This is a crucial moment for the Catholic Church, which has undergone a series of scandals this past year with accusations of sexual abuse and corruption.

According to Reuters, well-wishers and worshippers alike have been flocking to sites around Italy to attend mass with papal candidates.

Los Angeles Times reported that there is heavy money riding on predicting the next pope, and bookmakers are getting inside word and “expertise” from people with knowledge of the Vatican.

While Cardinals are praying for guidance, bookmakers in Europe are closing in on two candidates as favorites for the conclave, the date of which has yet to be decided.

Archbishop of Milan Angelo Scola is a heavy betting favorite. Peter Turkson, cardinal from Ghana is one of the few non-Italians that are said to have a good chance in the voting this week. . It has been 1,300 years since a non-European has been elected to the papacy.

Sean O’Malley, is the only candidate for the first American Pope. But bookies are only giving that a remote four percent chance.