Posted on 04/22/2005 6:58:32 PM PDT by r5boston
Pope Benedict has only been in the job one day but a book has already been opened on his successor. Odds are being offered by Paddy Power, the Dublin-based bookmaker, who earned the displeasure of the Vatican by taking bets on this week's election.
Just before the conclave, he was escorted from St Peter's Square by security staff after displaying his prices.
Despite his brush with the Holy See, the firm took over $382,000 (£200,000) in bets on the outcome.
"The chance to bet on the papal election seemed to catch the imagination of the whole world," said Mr Power as he strolled around the Vatican in the Rome sunshine.
Odds on the next Pope
Angelo Scola 6-1 Christoph Schonborn 7-1 Oscar Maradiaga 7-1 Jorge Bergoglio 9-1 Francis Arinze 10-1 Dionigi Tettamanzi 25-1 source: bookmaker Paddy Power
"It was the biggest non-sports betting market of all time."
The cardinal elected Pope, Joseph Ratzinger, was the second-most popular choice among punters.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
Jeeez, they despise this mans ideologies so much they are already betting on hios predecessor. I hope he screws them and lives to be 103
I find the whole thing very disrespectfull. On the other hand, Katie Couric and Mauren Down can not wait to place bets.
Just when you think the BBC can't get any lower, they start digging...
The BBC is a sick institution. It should be destroyed or at least forced to compete....but I repeat myself.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.