Who Is the Pope of Rome – What Does the Pope Do?

The pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the spiritual leader of over one billion Catholics around the world. The pope, also know as the grand pontiff, fulfils a wide range of duties, including the creation of bishops and the appointment of cardinals. The pontiff also defines issues of the Catholic faith, for example, by interpreting clerical issues and moral issues such as birth control. Take a look at our next Pope odds below.

How Is the Pope Chosen? 

The pope is chosen via Papal Conclave, which describes the meeting of the College of Cardinals. The cardinals are tasked with the election of the new pope by secret ballot. A vote is taken four times daily until one candidate gains a two-thirds majority. If a candidate achieves a majority, the ballots are burned in a stove and the white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel confirms the election of a new pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy is the favorite to become the next Pope on the next Pope odds board. 

Who Chooses the Pope? 

The pope is elected by the College of Cardinals. These cardinals are created by the pope. For example, the current College of Cardinals has been chosen by three popes: the two former pontiffs Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. The main duty of these cardinals is to convene and elect the next pope.

Voting 

The voting process to elect the next pope is an uncomplicated affair. To become the pontiff, a candidate requires a simple two-thirds majority amongst the College of Cardinals. The vote itself is via secret ballot. Each cardinal submits their vote into a chalice placed on the altar of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The votes of each candidate are counted and if a victor does not emerge with a two-thirds majority, the ballot is repeated with four rounds taking place daily until a candidate wins a majority.

Bets on the Next Pope 

The main bet you can place on the next pope odds board is the outright market. Let’s take a look at the different types of next Pope odds:

• As the market is a winner-takes-all affair, the vast majority of bets are placed on who will become the pontiff after Pope Francis.
• With some sportsbooks, you can bet on the Papal name of the next pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are the favorites on the next Pope odds board.
• Some bookmakers also offer odds on the nationality of the next pontiff. With the last three popes coming from Germany, Poland, and, the most recent incumbent, Argentina.

Next Pope Betting Lines - Oddspedia 

Our site provides you with all the help you need when betting on the next pope. Here are some of the features you can expect when using Oddspedia: 

• You can keep up-to-date with the latest odds via our odds comparison of different sportsbooks.
• You can consult the history of odds and lines for each of the leading cardinal candidates to identify which contenders are being backed by other bettors.
• You can access all of this along with the latest news in one single place, so you always have an overview of the latest events surrounding the next pope market.

Best US Sportsbooks for Betting on the Next Pope

Through our sportsbook reviews on Oddspedia, we'll recommend the best US sportsbooks for betting on the next pope. The next pope betting market represents a futures market and is heavily popular right now. Therefore, it is essential to use the best US sportsbooks when placing your wager on the next pope. By using our recommended sportsbooks, you are always betting with a trusted betting company.

Top 3 Candidates for the Pope Position 

There is a packed field of contenders to become the next pope. However, five top candidates have emerged. Read on to discover the main candidates to succeed Pope Francis and find out more about the next pope odds.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy

Among the top contenders to succeed the pope, Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy stands out as a frontrunner on the next Pope odds board. At 70 years old, Parolin serves as the Vatican Secretary of State, a role comparable to a prime minister. He is highly experienced in Church governance and international diplomacy, widely seen as a centrist with strong traditional backing. His odds currently sit at +250.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines

Another notable candidate on the next Pope odds board is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, aged 67. The former Archbishop of Manila now serves as the Pro-Prefect of Evangelization. One of the more charismatic and globally respected candidates, Tagle is a strong communicator and considered a progressive figure in the mold of Pope Francis, representing the growing influence of the Global South within the Church. His odds are +500.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy

Finally, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, 69, is emerging as a compelling choice on the next Pope odds board. The Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Zuppi is known for his pastoral care, diplomatic skills, and alignment with Pope Francis’ emphasis on peace, mercy, and inclusion. He's viewed as a unifying leader and has led Vatican peace efforts in Ukraine and other regions. His odds currently stand at +600.

Tips and Strategies for Betting on the Next Pope

There is a range of tips and strategies you can follow when betting on the next pope. You should bet early to get higher odds and research the topic so you can make informed decisions on your bets. Read on for the best betting strategies and research tips.

“Bet Early – Get Higher Odds”

As mentioned above, along with an odds comparison from different sportsbooks, we also offer you the history of next Pope odds and lines of the candidates for the next pope. You can use this information to place your wager early and benefit from higher odds. The early bird catches the worm, so you should place your wager as early as possible to ensure you get the best price on your pick.

Study the Moods in the Papal Conclave

Studying the current moods in the Papal Conclave, the College of Cardinals which elects the next pope, can give you insights into the contenders’ chances of winning the vote. Each vote is anonymous, so the College of Cardinals are free to vote with their conscience. Ten of the cardinal electors were appointed by John Paul II, while 34 were appointed by Benedict XVI. The majority of those eligible to vote (81) were appointed by Pope Francis.

Find Out the Candidate's Position on Moral and Social Issues 

Following on from studying the moods prevalent in the Papal Conclave, another way to research the next pope market is to find out about each candidate's positions on moral and social issues. Is the contender conservative like Pope Benedict XVI or are they more progressive like Pope Francis? Is the Papal Conclave more likely to elect a conservative or a progressive? As pointed out in the previous section, Pope Francis appointed the majority of cardinal electors eligible to vote.

Bet on Several candidates 

The next pope odds show that the betting market is currently wide open and a solid case can be made for all of the leading contenders. With this in mind, you could adopt the strategy of betting on several candidates to give yourself the best chance of selecting the winner. You could, for example, cover both bases by betting on a conservative contender and a more liberal candidate.

Choose Reliable Bookmakers 

You should certainly ensure that you choose reliable bookmakers for your bets on the next pope. Our site reviews and provides ratings for the most recognized bookmakers and we also provide honest user reviews. This saves you time so you can concentrate on researching your bets, secure in the knowledge that you are using a trusted and reliable bookmaker.

Sportsbook Predictions for the Next Pope 

The current next pope odds give you an idea of the main contenders for the role. The next pope odds reflect the chances of each candidate to secure the top job. Right now it seems that some sportsbooks are naming Marc Ouellet as the most likely to win, with Angelo De Donatis as a runner-up. Others are claiming Luis Antonio Tagle to be the most likely, with Peter Turkson as a close second. But really, any of them could win and predictions vary. 

How To Make a Bet on the Next Pope – Step-by-Step Instructions

To place a bet on the next pope, follow these simple steps:

1. Search for the next pope market on your sportsbook of choice.
2. Choose from the list of contenders you want to bet on to become the next pope to replace Pope Francis.
3. Select your pick by clicking on the price and adding it to your betslip.
4. Enter your stake and confirm your bet.

FAQ

Who is the Pope Now? 

Pope Francis has passed, and the church is in search of the next pope.

Who Will Be the Next Pope After Francis? 

There are several contenders to become the next pope after Pope Francis. The current frontrunner is Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy.

Where Can I Find the Best Betting Lines for the Next Pope?

You can find the best pope betting odds by consulting the trusted bookmakers listed and reviewed on our website. Your best option is to visit major sportsbooks as they are more likely to offer bets on the next pope.

Do Sportsbooks Offer Bonuses for Betting on the Next Pope?

Sportsbooks do not offer specific bonuses for betting on the next Pope. But if you open a new account with a bookmaker, you could qualify for a new customer welcome bonus.

Who Elects the New Pope?

The new pope is elected by the Papal Conclave, the assembly of cardinals who convene to choose the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.

Where Do the Popes Live?

The official residence of the pope is the Apostolic Palace, which is located in Vatican City. In the summer, the pope often chooses to reside in Castel Gandolfo, which is located outside Rome.

How Often Do They Choose a New Pope?

A new pope is chosen when the previous pope has passed away. A resignation is rare, but when Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, the Papal Conclave gathered to elect Pope Francis as the new pope.

Is It Legal To Bet on the Next Pope?

Yes, it is legal to bet on the next pope. You can bet on non-sporting events with many sportsbooks in the USA. Not all betting operators offer special or exotic bets, but by using the sportsbooks recommended by us, you have a good chance of finding the next pope betting market.

What Betting Markets Do Sportsbooks Offer on the Next Pope?

The main betting market offered by sportsbooks to players who want to wager on the next pope is the outright market which lists the candidates most likely to become the next pope.