An email: ” saw your post on the papal futures, which you probably noted simply because, well, it’s is interesting that the futures are going to a European.

“There’s a reason, I suspect. Even though Latins are half the lay population of the Church, they currently have just a little more Cardinals then Italy alone. 22 to 21, if I remember.

“I’m not sure if someone else mentioned it in the Corner already, but even if they did, it’s worth repeating, placing bets on the next pope, as I’m sure you know, is forbidden of Catholics. Apparently it was quite the cottage industry in Italy when the Pope stepped and stopped the practice about 400 years ago.”