With betting on the next pope discouraged in Italy, thousands of Italians are opting for “Fantapapa,” a fantasy game where players choose a team of 11 papal candidates and earn points based on media mentions and election outcomes.
The game, which launched after Pope Francis’ death on April 21, has attracted nearly 60,000 users. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, is the most popular pick in Fantapapa, especially among female players, according to game creator Pietro Pace.
International gambling firms, however, are taking bets on papal candidates, with Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, the current favorite at 9/4. Other top contenders include Luis Antonio Tagle, Matteo Zuppi, and Peter Turkson. While betting on the papacy is not illegal in Italy, it is frowned upon by authorities, with gaming platforms discouraged from offering odds on the election.
Novelty bets on the conclave, including those on blockchain platforms like Polymarket, have generated modest amounts, with $10 million wagered on the next pope’s identity.
