Who will be the successor?

The 120 cardinals who will meet to elect the new Pope are understood to be looking for a well-established figure to succeed one of the longest pontificates in history.

Karol Wojtyla was 58 and almost unknown outside Poland when he became Pope John Paul II. As a result the Papacy has remained unchanged for 27 years.

The main candidates are:

Dionigi Tettamanzi, Archbishop of Milan, 70:

Long-running favourite and head of Italy's largest diocese which has often been seen as preparation for the Papacy. Respected theologian with strong moral principles.

Joseph Ratzinger, 78:

At one time his age was seen as a drawback, but now it is believed the cardinals will favour the older man. Born in Bavaria, he has acted as the Pope's right hand man.

Francis Arinze, 73:

The Nigerian would be a popular choice in the Third World and the West. Astute and charming, he is an expert on Islam.

Claudio Hummes, Archbishop of Sao Paulo, 70:

Born to German parents in southern Brazil, which has one of the largest Catholic populations. Holds traditional theological values.

Angelo Scola, Patriarch of Venice, 63:

Youngest of the main contenders and considered a rising star of the Church. Another expert on Islam, he mixes traditional views on ethics. Has a firm belief that the Church must connect with modern culture.

Oscar Andres Rodrigues Maradiaga, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, 62:

Major champion of the poor. He is an accomplished pianist and pilot. The Honduran is described as charming, with a dry sense of humour.

Bookmakers Paddy Power have installed Cardinal Tettamanzi as 5/2 favourite, followed by Cardinal Arinze at 11/4; Cardinal Maradiaga at 4/1; Cardinal Ratzinger at 7/1 and Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino, from Cuba, at 8/1.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, is quoted at 20/1, the same odds as Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.