The death of Pope Francis, at 88, has triggered several concerns about the future of the Vatican, among them, who will be his successor.
Media attention has focused on the conclave, the solemn meeting or session to the attended all cardinals under 80 years to choose a new Pope.
That is why, a few hours after his death, recognized prediction platforms and even several betting houses enabled a space in their markers to bet on the new pontiff.
Among the names that resonate most in the famous betting pages such as William Hill, Bet365, Paddy Power or Sportium, among others, are the cardinals Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Peter Erdo Y Peter Turkson.
The betting houses also allow to guess the name that the future Pope will choose. According to William Hill, the most likely names are Francisco, Benedict and Juan Pablo.
Pietro Parolin
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, was the second in command of Pope Francis since 2013, when the Pontiff appointed him Secretary of State on October 15, 2013, replacing Tarcisio Bertone.
-Luis Antonio Tagle
Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Cardinal Filipino of Liberal Tendency, was appointed Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 and would be the first Asian Pope.
Peter Turkson
Peter Turksson, 76, is one of the most influential African cardinals and current chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
It should be noted that a total of 135 cardinals, with an average of 70 years and mostly appointed by Pope Francis, will meet in conclave to choose the next pontiff.
As the age limit to be summoned to the conclave is 80 years, 117 cardinals will not participate in the election of the next leader of the Catholic Church, scheduled for early May.
Among the cardinals, those of the ‘Old Continent’ will be the most numerous in the Sistine Chapel, with 53 representatives, that is, 39%.
