I suppose you could say Ratzinger is a front-runner, but I think all his votes will disappear after the first ballot. He's probably the best-known cardinal in the world, but he has made a lot of enemies. I'm guessing the cardinals will pick somebody who is more of a pastor, somebody who can deal with a variety of people. While I disagree with him on some theological matters, I have to say that John Paul II was very successful as a pastor.

Past popes have been theologians and bureaucrats, but I don't think the age is appropriate for that type of leader right now. From what I understand of him, I think Jaime Cardinal Sin might have made a good pope - if he changed his name.

-Joe Offer-