• Fantasy games and betting activities about the election of the new Pope are gaining popularity.
• Several cardinals are considered frontrunners, including Pietro Parolin, Peter Erdo, Jean-Marc Aveline, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
• Concerns have been raised about the morality of betting on such a solemn religious event.

With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church is preparing for a conclave to elect his successor. This process has generated substantial interest globally, evidenced by the rise of online betting markets and fantasy games centered around predicting the next Pope. Simultaneously, various cardinals are being considered as potential candidates, with intense speculation surrounding their chances of being selected.

• What: The election of a new Pope following the death of Pope Francis, leading to speculation, betting, and fantasy games.
• Who: Key individuals include Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Peter Erdo, Jean-Marc Aveline, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and others. Organizations involved include the College of Cardinals, online betting platforms, and the creators of Fantapapa.
• When: The conclave is scheduled to begin next Wednesday (Implied: week following early May 2025). Pope Francis's funeral occurred on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
• Where: The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. Betting interest spans across the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and globally.

The surge in betting and fantasy games around the papal election highlights a global fascination with the process. While providing entertainment for some, it also raises ethical questions about gambling on a sacred religious event. The diverse list of potential candidates indicates the wide range of views and priorities within the Catholic Church, suggesting a potentially complex and unpredictable conclave.

"We know that the religious hierarchies are part of the power in this country and also, let's say, at an international level, so it is a historic event and it seemed interesting to us to take it from a light-hearted side, but also based on real data."

"It’s a really fun game to play with friends and have a laugh... Initially my dad sent it to me ironically, but now that it’s going to be the conclave, I decided to have a go and try it."

"Everyone can contribute to peace, but solutions must never be pursued through unilateral impositions that risk trampling on the rights of entire peoples, otherwise there will never be a just and lasting peace."

The upcoming papal conclave is not only a significant event for the Catholic Church but also a subject of global interest, as demonstrated by the rise of betting markets and fantasy games. While the selection of the next Pope remains uncertain, the various potential candidates represent different theological and political perspectives within the Church. The ethical implications of betting on a religious event continue to be debated.