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Possible Front-Runners to Become the Next Pope

Updated: Monday, February 11 2013, 08:46 AM EST
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict XVI will resign Feb. 28th after serving nearly eight years as pope.

This morning there is already a lot of buzz about possible front runners to succeed him.

A trio of possible candidates seem to be getting the most buzz online.

Former Archbishop Marc Ouellet of Quebec is one of the most popular choices.

The 68-year-old is known for his cheerful and humble personality.

He currently oversees the selection of new bishops worldwide as "Perfect of the Congregation for Bishops."

Ouellet also president of the "Pontifical Commission for Latin America," which looks after and provides guidance to the Catholic Church in Latin America.

Cardinal Jorge Marion Bergoglio is currently Archbishop of Buenos Aries, Argentina.

Reports indicate he was the runner-up in the last papal election, ultimately losing to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger who would go on to become Pope Benedict XVI.

People who know the cardinal say the 76-year-old is a simple man who would defend catholic identity and current traditions.

Cardinal Angelo Scola is the current Archbishop of Milan.

The 71-year-old has a reputation for being open, and he frequently sets aside Wednesdays to meet with any member of the public who wants to talk with him.

Cardinal Scola is also seen as someone who could reverse what some Catholics see as a "decay of European Culture" in the church.

The Cardinal is also the former Patriarch of Venice. Several people who have held that position have gone on to be elected Pope including Pope Pius X in 1903, Pope John XXIII in 1958 and Pope John Paul I in 1978.

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WEB PRODUCER: Nick BonaPossible Front-Runners to Become the Next Pope