Expectation for next successor of Benedict XVI

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)

The Catholic world is living moments of anxiety while waiting to know who will be the next successor of Pope Benedict, who yesterday officially left the position vacant after his resignation and retreat at Castelgandolfo.

Among the favorites for this position, according to worldwide speculation, is Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana), President of the Papal Council and known for his work for peace and justice, and for participating in difficult missions. If so, he would become the first African pope.

Those who remain on the list of possible Pontiffs are Italian cardinals Angelo Scola and Tarcisio Bertone and Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet. Also, the list includes the Philippine Antonio Tagle and American Timothy Dolan.

Among Latino candidates are listed Colombian Cardinal Darío Rubén Salazar Gómez (70 years) and the Brazilian Odilo Pedro Scherer (63), Archbishop of San Pablo.