Ladbrokes looks at the odds on the next Pope and the favourites to replace Pope Francis following the 88-year-old's death on April 21.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday, the day after his last public appearance on Easter Sunday (April 20).
Next Pope odds
When will a new Pope be elected?
A nine-day period of mourning has now begun, with the Pope's funeral being held on Sunday, April 27. Following that, cardinal-electors will travel to Rome to decide on the date and time for when a new Pope will be elected.
Known as a conclave, the election of a new Pope is expected to take place from May 7.
Next Pope - Papal Name Of Choice
Francis is the 5/1 frontrunner to be the name chosen by the next Pope, with betting favourites Pietro Parolin (2/1) and Luis Antonio Tagle (3/1) both seen as being in the mould of the late Pope. John and John Paul are both 6/1, while it’s 10/1 we have the first Pope Leo for more than 120 years.
At the back end of the market, the bookies are offering 33/1 on both the sixth Sextus – Sextus Sixtus – and the first Donald.
Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: “Pope Francis appointed the vast majority of the next conclave, so it’s perhaps no surprise that Francis is seen as the favourite to be the next papal name – both as a tribute to the late Pope and also a symbol of his successor’s willingness to continue his work.”
Above are the favourites to replace Pope Francis and become the next Pope, with a decision expected to be made this month.
All of the names above are priced between 5/2 and 66/1, with Parolin and Tagle the number one and two favourites respectively at this stage.
What happens when the Pope dies?
When a Pope dies, the Vatican enters a period of mourning, and the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new Pope in a secret conclave held in the Sistine Chapel.
How is the next Pope chosen?
The next Pope is chosen by the College of Cardinals in a secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required for a successful election, and white smoke signals when a decision is reached.
Can you bet on who will become the next Pope?
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, Ladbroke began offering odds on who will be elected the next Pope.
Who is the favourite to be the next Pope?
The current favourites to become the next Pope and replace Pope Francis include Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle.
