As speculation mounts over Pope Francis’ health, online betting platforms are witnessing a surge in wagers on who might succeed him. While the selection of a new pontiff is an intricate and time-consuming process managed by the College of Cardinals, the general public is showing its own preferences by placing bets on potential candidates.
At 88, Pope Francis has been facing ongoing health challenges, recently requiring hospitalisation in Rome for treatment of double pneumonia. The Vatican has assured the public that his condition is improving, yet concerns about his prognosis persist. With the pontiff absent from public appearances for nearly two weeks, discussions surrounding his potential successor have intensified — particularly in the realm of online gambling.
As reported by The Daily Beast, platforms like BetUS and Polymarket, which previously faced criticism for allowing bets on California wildfires as lives and homes were lost, are now featuring odds on who might become the next leader of the Catholic Church. Among the frontrunners being backed by bettors are Pietro Parolin and Pierbattista Pizzaballa from Italy, as well as Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines.
Cardinals In The Spotlight
Pietro Parolin, 70, has been a prominent figure within the Vatican for years. Appointed as Secretary of State in 2013, he previously spent three decades in the Holy See’s diplomatic service, serving in countries like Nigeria, Mexico, and Venezuela. The Vatican credits him with playing a crucial role in diplomatic relations, particularly in strengthening ties with Vietnam and helping to rekindle dialogue between Israel and Palestine. However, his tenure has not been without controversy—his office lost control over financial management in 2020 following a scandal involving a 350-million-euro London property investment.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 59, was named Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in 2020. His journey within the church began in 1999 when he joined the Custody of the Holy Land after relocating to Jerusalem. In 2004, he was appointed as the leader of the Custody, a position he held for six years. His experience in overseeing one of the most historically significant Catholic regions has positioned him as a strong candidate in the eyes of many.
Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, has been influential in global Catholic outreach. Appointed as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in 2019, he has been at the forefront of promoting Catholicism worldwide. His rise within the church includes serving as Bishop of Imus in 2001 and later as Archbishop of Manila in 2011. In 2015, he was named president of Caritas Internationalis, a global network of Catholic charities. However, in 2022, Pope Francis dismissed the organisation’s top leadership due to concerns over low staff morale.
Longstanding Tradition Of Betting on the Papacy
While gambling on the next pope may seem unconventional, it is far from a modern phenomenon. Wagering on papal elections dates back centuries, with the practice becoming so widespread that Pope Gregory XIV banned it in 1591. The decree not only prohibited bets on the selection of a pope but also on the length of a pontificate or the appointment of new cardinals, with violators facing excommunication.
Despite this historical restriction, the public’s fascination with predicting the Vatican’s next leader remains strong. Whether for fun or financial gain, many are willing to take their chances on who will assume the role of the next pope if the time for succession arrives.
