As cardinals gather in Rome for the Conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, a sacred and ancient tradition unfolds. But outside the Sistine Chapel, a global audience fuels an unexpected wave of enthusiasm, memes, and even gambling. From social media fandoms to betting pools, this Conclave is capturing Catholic and non-Catholic imaginations alike.
A Sacred Process in a Modern World
The passing of Pope Francis has ushered in a solemn and historic moment for the Catholic Church. 
With the conclave now underway, 252 cardinals from around the world have convened to prayerfully discern the Church’s next leader. This ritual, carried out in the secrecy of the Sistine Chapel, remains one of the most spiritual and guarded decisions in modern religion. Yet, despite the weight and reverence of the process, the event has become something of a cultural spectacle in the digital age.
Popular interest, fueled by films like Conclave and social media buzz, has turned the papal election into a global phenomenon. Livestreams are planned, fan-made videos abound, and hashtags like #PopeWatch2025 are trending. This unique moment stands at the intersection of religious gravity and internet virality.
From Bingo Cards to Betting Odds
What was once an exclusive Vatican affair has become, for some, the latest obsession. Office sweepstakes in Scotland, conclave bingo cards in college dorms, and TikTok fandoms for favorite cardinals paint an unlikely picture of secular engagement with a deeply spiritual tradition. In Boston, young professionals are scheduling conclave watch parties between Zoom meetings. Others are placing real money bets through online gambling platforms.
The most favored candidates, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, have inspired everything from tribute videos to parody memes. Even NBC’s Steve Kornacki was photoshopped into cardinal regalia by fans imagining him analyzing Vatican vote counts like U.S. elections.
While the Catholic Church has not endorsed (or condemned) the surge in pop culture and betting activity surrounding the conclave, it does reflect the Church’s enduring relevance—even among secular audiences.
Who’s In the Running?
Without a clear front-runner, speculation is high. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, often seen as a progressive torchbearer in the spirit of Pope Francis, enjoys considerable support from younger Catholics and online fans. His warmth and reform-minded views have made him a standout for those seeking continuity with the late pontiff’s legacy.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, born in the Philippines, holds strong appeal across Asia and the global south. A soft-spoken theologian with charisma and humility, he has gained momentum both inside the Vatican and on platforms like TikTok.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem and Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria round out the names being closely watched. Parolin, as the Vatican’s secretary of state, remains a safe and strategic option for many within the College of Cardinals.
Notably, few want the new pope to be American. Cultural tone and language play a role here. As one college student put it, “A pope speaking Latin with an American accent would kill me.”
Takeaway: Reverence in the Age of Reality Memes
At its heart, the papal conclave remains a sacred duty, charged with choosing the spiritual leader for more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. Yet the growing secular participation through memes, games, and wagers highlights the paradox of modern religiosity—spiritual tradition increasingly exists alongside digital culture.
While some might decry the spectacle, it also underscores the universal pull of faith, leadership, and hope. Whether through prayer or parody, millions are paying attention. And perhaps, even amid bingo cards and betting slips, the Holy Spirit still moves.
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