Who will be the next Pope? It’s the question on the lips of millions across the globe. Here at ThePuntersPage, you’ll find proper insight into one of the most fascinating decisions of the modern age, including the best-value next pope betting odds. If you’re looking to make a smart pick on arguably the most unique novelty betting market out there, you’re in the right place.
Next Pope Betting Odds
There are loads of names in the running to become the next head of the Roman Catholic Church. Dozens, in fact. But truth be told, a fair few of these are massive long-shots, so much so that only one or two bookies even bother offering odds on them. We’re focused on giving you a proper look at the next pope betting odds that actually stand a chance. With that in mind, here are the top 20 next pope favourites and the best places to back them.
| Candidate | Odds (at time of writing) | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Pietro Parolin | 9/4 | Betfred |
| Luis Antonio Tagle | 3/1 | bet365 |
| Peter Turkson | 6/1 | BetVictor |
| Matteo Zuppi | 8/1 | Betfred |
| Pierbattista Pizzaballa | 12/1 | Coral |
| Peter Erdo | 12/1 | BetVictor |
| Robert Sarah | 12/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Mauro Gambetti | 16/1 | Unibet |
| Jean-Claude Hollerich | 25/1 | Betfred |
| Jean-Marc Aveline | 25/1 | Coral |
| Fridolin Ambongo Besungu | 25/1 | Betfred |
| Kevin Farrell | 25/1 | Coral |
| Raymond Leo Burke | 33/1 | 10bet |
| Jose Tolentino | 28/1 | bet365 |
| Mario Grech | 33/1 | Coral |
| Angelo Scola | 33/1 | BoyleSports |
| Wim Eijk | 33/1 | bet365 |
| Mykola Bychok | 18/1 | bet365 |
| Wilton Gregory | 40/1 | bet365 |
| Robert Francis Prevost | 40/1 | Ladbrokes |
What Is Next Pope Betting and How Does It Work?
In terms of practicalities, betting on future pope contenders is just like any other wager. No need to wear your Sunday best or anything! You just log in, deposit, and place your bets as usual. You might even be able to use the finest UK free bets and promotions with next pope betting odds, so long as there are no restrictions tied to the market.
And if you’re making next pope predictions, it’s key to understand how that works and exactly what you’re betting on. The process is actually really interesting. First, the Church enters a period called ‘sede vacante’, which literally means empty seat, because there’s no pope sitting on the throne of St Peter.
This period usually lasts around 15 to 20 days while the cardinals get ready for the conclave. The conclave is held in the world-famous Sistine Chapel. It involves eligible cardinals (there are currently 252 cardinals, but only 135 are electors) who debate and eventually vote for the new pope. The cardinals won’t leave the Vatican until they’ve made their decision, and this can take however long is needed.
While the longest conclave lasted three years (between 1268 and 1271), most conclaves are much quicker. In fact, some have only lasted a day, and the longest one in the last 125 years took just five days.
So, who will be the next pope? We’ll likely find out sometime in mid to late May.
What I’d Be Paying Closest Attention To
Ben Gibson: The Vatican pope selection process isn’t just fascinating; it’s also something you’ve got to get your head around if you want to make sense of any pope betting market. What really stands out to me is this: at the end of the day, it’s all down to how the eligible cardinals vote. That’s it. No pundits, no public polls, no media pressure. You want pope betting tips? Here’s one: shut out the media noise and focus on the candidates.
Which Bookmakers Offer Next Pope Betting Odds?
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Here are who we consider to be the absolute best online bookies currently offering next pope betting odds for UK punters.
UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (11):
    18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (9):
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (7):
 18+ New Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (7):
 18+ New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
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UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (10):
 18+ New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
If you’re thinking that pope election betting odds would be niche, think again. Plenty of major bookies are throwing their hats in the ring, with names like Betfred, bet365, Coral, and Ladbrokes all offering solid odds on the next pope favourites. That said, when it comes to some of the more far-fetched options, the choices do start to thin out. So, if you’re after value and a competitive price, sticking with one of the frontrunners is probably your best shout.
Another thing that really sets next pope betting odds apart from regular sports markets is the range in pricing. For instance, the odds on Robert Sarah range from 14/1 (6.7%) to 4/1 (20%) depending on the bookie. That’s why it’s vital you choose the right betting sites for new pope markets.
Why you shouldn’t wait to back next pope betting odds
Ben Gibson: Something worth keeping in mind is that next pope betting odds usually get suspended once the conclave begins voting. And since there’s no exact time or date pinned down for when that will kick off, the best advice we can give is simple. If you fancy a flutter on this market, do not hang about. Get your bets in early before they disappear.
Next Pope Favourites – Key Contenders
While there are plenty of future pope contenders, a few really stand out. These are the top five based on everything we know about the Vatican pope selection. There’s never a guarantee that an outsider won’t take the top spot in the Roman Catholic Church, but one of these seems very likely. In other words, this is exactly where we think your next pope predictions should begin.
Pietro Parolin (70, Italy)
By far the favourite at 9/4 odds (30.8% implied probability), Parolin is widely seen as a modern and pragmatic moderate. Many view him as the natural continuation of Pope Francis’s leadership. As the Church’s secretary of state, he’s effectively served as the pope’s chief advisor and head of the Roman Curia, the Church’s central administration. In other words, he’s been the deputy pope in all but name, and plenty of people reckon he’s handled the role well and is deserving of a promotion.
Luis Antonio Tagle (67, The Philippines)
Another frontrunner, seen as largely a moderate in the same vein as Pope Francis, is Luis Antonio Tagle. For instance, he has spoken out against the Church’s past harsh stance on divorcees and single mothers. Tagle was also believed to be Pope Francis’s preferred successor. And clearly, at 3/1 odds (25% implied probability) he's still got plenty of supporters. As the first Asian pope, he would likely be a significant boost for Catholicism in the Philippines, where about 80% of the population is Catholic.
Peter Turkson (76, Ghana)
If elected, Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson would become the first African pope in 1,500 years. So, we’re talking serious history. He was even in the running for the role in 2003, which shows that the Church takes him seriously as a potential successor. While he’s more conservative than many of the other candidates, particularly on issues like the sanctity of life and family values, he’s a highly respected leader who has excelled in many challenging roles. With odds of 16/1 (14.3% implied probability), this could be the best value punt of any pope betting market.
Matteo Zuppi (69, Italy)
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is Vatican peace envoy for Ukraine and has been outspoken in his concern for the poor and marginalised in society. Famously, he is one of the few candidates to speak positively of the LGBT+ community. Probably the most progressive candidate of the frontrunners at 8/1 odds (11.1% implied probability), Matteo Zuppi would likely be an extension of that part of Pope Francis’s legacy.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa (60, Italy)
While Italian, Pizzaballa moved to Jerusalem at the age of 25 and was appointed Latin Patriarch of the Holy City in 2020 by Pope Francis. His deep understanding of the region, especially with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, could be a major asset to the Church. His relatively young age and less extensive experience compared to some of the other candidates may be the reason his odds of 12/1 (7.7% implied probability) aren’t even higher.
How to Bet on The Next Pope
If you’ve bet on just about anything else before, you’ll know exactly what to expect from next pope betting. But in case you haven’t or need a little reminder, here’s everything you need to know:
How is the Next Pope Chosen?
When it comes to pope betting tips, the best advice is simple: knowledge is power. That’s why we’ve broken down everything you need to understand about the Vatican’s pope selection process. The more informed you are, the smarter your bets will be, giving you the edge when it comes to picking the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Sede Vacante: The Papacy Becomes Vacant
This period is called sede vacante, meaning the ‘empty seat'. The Church enters a period of mourning, and the Vatican’s day-to-day operations are taken over by the Camerlengo, the Church’s chief administrator.
Cardinals Arrive at the Vatican: Preparing for the Conclave
Once the papacy is vacant, eligible cardinals make their way to the Vatican. They spend a few days there getting ready for the conclave, holding discussions about the direction the Church should go in, and what qualities the new pope should have.
The Conclave Kicks Off: Time to Vote
When everything’s set, the conclave officially begins. Cardinals head into the Sistine Chapel and are locked in. They’re not allowed any outside contact. After swearing an oath of secrecy, they start the voting process. It could take a few days or longer, depending on how quickly they reach a decision.
The Voting Process: A Majority is Needed
Each cardinal writes down the name of their chosen candidate, and they all submit their ballots. The key thing here is that a two-thirds majority is needed to elect the new pope. After each round, the ballots are burned. If no one wins, black smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel chimney. If a pope is chosen, it’s white smoke.
Habemus Papam: The Big Announcement
Once the cardinals reach a decision, the senior cardinal steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces, “Habemus Papam” (‘We have a pope’), followed by the new pope’s name. That’s the moment everyone knows: the Catholic Church has a new leader. And you’ll know whether your next pope predictions have been profitable.
The New Pope’s First Appearance: The Blessing
After the announcement, the newly elected pope makes his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He gives his blessing to the crowds gathered in the square below. It’s a huge moment, marking the start of the new pope’s reign and wrapping up the conclave.
The Punterspage Final Say
Next pope betting odds give you the chance to wager on something truly unique. It’s a bet like no other; you’re predicting a moment in world history! Exciting, right? But just like any other bet, the goal remains the same: to win and make the most profit possible. This page has everything you need to do just that, from key insights to guide your prediction to the best value markets, all in one place. Simply check out the details, make your pick, and head straight to those top odds.
Next Pope Betting FAQs
Yes, dozens of great UK betting sites offer pope election betting odds. And you can find the very best of them, with the biggest returns on the top 20 favourites, right here.
This depends on who the bookmaker, based on all the given information, thinks is most likely to be the next pope. Odds can also be influenced by betting activity, as lots of money on one candidate can force them to try and better balance their books.
Yes, it is legal to bet on the next pope in the UK if you are over 18 and reside in the country.
According to the odds, the current bookmakers' favourites to be the next pope include: Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, Peter Turkson, Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Peter Erdo, Robert Sarah, Mauro Gambetti, Jean-Claude Hollerich, Jean-Marc Aveline, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Kevin Farrell, Raymond Leo Burke, Jose Tolentino, Mario Grech, Angelo Scola, Wim Eijk, Mykola Bychok, Wilton Gregory, and Robert Francis Prevost.
The process of choosing the next pope begins with ‘sede vacante,’ the period when the papacy becomes vacant. Cardinals then gather in the Vatican to prepare for the conclave, where they will vote for the new pope. A two-thirds majority is needed, and ballots are burned after each round, with black smoke indicating no decision and white smoke signalling the election of a pope. Once elected, the senior cardinal announces “Habemus Papam,” and the new pope makes his first appearance on the balcony to bless the crowd. Understanding this process gives you an edge when betting on the next pope.