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4w ago

Fantapapa Gains Traction as Italians Turn to Fantasy League for Papal Speculation

With betting on papal elections discouraged in Italy, nearly 60,000 users have joined the Fantapapa game, while international markets see modest betting activity on leading candidates.

Nuns walk in front of St. Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square ahead of the conclave, which will be held on May 7, at the Vatican, April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
Swiss Guards salute a cardinal as he arrives for a general congregation meeting in the Vatican, as seen from Rome, Italy, April 28, 2025. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis/File Photo
People walk in front of St. Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square ahead of the conclave, which will be held on May 7, at the Vatican, April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov

Overview

  • Fantapapa, an online fantasy league for predicting the next pope, has attracted nearly 60,000 players since its launch following Pope Francis's death on April 21.
  • Players assemble teams of 11 cardinals and earn points based on media mentions and correct predictions of the new pope and chosen papal name.
  • Italian authorities discourage betting on papal elections, prompting domestic gambling platforms to abstain, while Fantapapa offers a free, non-monetary alternative.
  • International bookmakers favor Cardinal Pietro Parolin, with odds of 9/4, followed by Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Matteo Zuppi, and Peter Turkson.
  • Fantapapa analytics highlight Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a popular choice among players, particularly among the game’s strong female following.