Pietro Parolin: Favorite to ascend as next pope
Who will become the new pope after Francis's death? This question is being asked by the faithful worldwide. According to bookmakers, the main candidate to take over the papal throne after Pope Francis is Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. A few days ago, we reported that the leading candidates for the papal throne were Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines and Pietro Parolin from Italy.
As reported by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the Italian cardinal, currently serving as Secretary of State of the Holy See, is now regarded by bookmakers as the primary favorite to become the next pope after Francis.
The new pope according to bookmakers
Parolin, who has served as the Secretary of State since 2013, has gained recognition for his diplomatic skills and experience in managing the Church. His candidacy is seen as a continuation of the current pope's policies, which may attract supporters seeking stability in the Vatican.
Bookmakers note an increase in bets in his favor, suggesting that he is being seriously considered as a successor.
The British bookmaker William Hill offers odds of 2.50 for Parolin's selection. Currently, Antonio Tagle from the Philippines is in second place (odds 3.00), followed by Matteo Zuppi from Italy, who rounds out the top three (odds 7.00), according to the newspaper.
In France, the topic of the future pope even made it to the Tech&Co program broadcast by BFM TV. The hosts asked ChatGPT to indicate a potential successor to Pope Francis.
Following the footsteps of British bookmakers, artificial intelligence also favors Parolin, suggesting a 27.6% probability of him becoming the next pope.
How is the pope elected?
The election of a new pope is decided at a conclave, which is attended by cardinals who have not reached the age of 80 by the day of the pope's death or resignation.
Each cardinal votes on a ballot, writing the candidate's name. To become pope, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes. If the required majority is not achieved after three days of voting, there is a one-day pause for prayer and reflection, after which voting continues.
After each vote, the ballots are burned in a special stove in the Sistine Chapel, from which smoke rises (black indicates no pope elected, while white signifies a pope has been elected).
