Here's the scoop on the papal sweepstakes at the Vatican.
Italy's Cardinal Aneglo Scola is said to be the clear frontrunner for the post going into the conclave of cardinals with a solid 40 votes. Remember, 77 votes are needed to become pope.
But the Roman Curia is said to be backing Cardinal Scherer of Brazil. That could prevent Scola from getting to 77 while Scherer will still not have enough votes to win himself.
That would leave the door open to the man who many believe is the top compromise candidate, Canada's Cardinal Marc Ouellet who might emerge if the vote goes past one of two ballots.
Irish bookmakers still give Scola the best odds and these are the same bookmakes who picked the last pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany.
So, here's how it shapes up: If the cardinals announce that they've picked a pope on the first day of balloting (Tuesday) then it's probably Scola, who would be the first Italian pope since the short-lived reign of Pope John Paul I. If the balloting goes into a second or third day, then it's someone else -- possibly Oullet.
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