This morning news broke that Pope Benedict XVI is set to resign at the end of the month and we’re not surprised by the name of one possible replacement.
By Declan Whooley
Considering that the Pope is 85 years old, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that he is bowing out. Reuters announced that a spokesperson for the Vatican said that he is due to retire on the 28th of this month after nearly eight years at the helm.
With the news of a change at the top, one familiar name has emerged, a man no stranger to speculation. QPR manager Harry Redknapp was suggested by Guardian reporter Simon Ricketts and it is not a bad shout. The Premier League club look doomed and he may well be looking for pastures new in the not too distant future.
Another possibility from the footballing world could be Rafa Benitez who could perhaps take over as interim Pope while the Vatican looks to get a bigger name at the helm. We also think that Giovanni Trapattoni could have what it takes. He’s old, he’s Italian and likes to avoid the issues that really matter, which has often been the tactic employed by the Papacy.
However Paddy Power have installed Cardinal Francis Arzine as the early as the 15/8 favourite and the bookies don’t often get it wrong.
Incidentally in case you are wondering if a Pope has resigned before, it has, but it was a while back, 1415 to be exact, with Pope Gregory XII stepped down from the role.
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