TikTokers are drafting Catholic cardinals like NFL quarterbacks in a new Fantasy Pope League, turning the May 7 conclave to elect a new pope into a social media spectacle.
The game mimics fantasy football: Users are randomly assigned a cardinal and rack up points based on how he performs in the vote. The league has gone viral, with more than 100,000 views and 2,000 sign-ups on its first day.
“There are 10 times the number of people in this sweepstake as there are cardinals in the Catholic Church,” said creator Max (@itismaxhooray). “Making it bigger and therefore more legitimate than the real conclave.”
“If they do well in the voting, you do well in the pope league,” he added.
Players also answer bonus questions to earn “pope points,” which help determine final rankings and possibly a prize.
“I’m a normal girl who can be trusted not to get too intense about the fantasy pope league,” one commenter posted.
“Fifteen years of Catholic school have prepared me for this,” another said.
Some Generation Z players already are eyeing the odds: “My cardinal is 40:1 according to Oddschecker, not awful,” one wrote.
Politico reports that Gen Z’s fascination with the conclave isn’t only about religion — it’s also about influence.
Pope Francis’ positions on climate change, Gaza and economic inequality earned him credibility among a generation disillusioned by political leaders. Yet his more muted support for LGBT rights and women’s leadership left others frustrated by the church’s limits, according to Politico.
Now, with nearly 70% of voting cardinals appointed by Francis, Gen Z is watching closely to see whether the next pope will advance Francis’ progressive legacy or reverse it.
Three names have emerged as favorites among younger people — Catholic or otherwise — online.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna has drawn attention for welcoming same-sex couples and signaling openness to broader LGBT inclusion. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, a longtime Francis ally, has gotten Gen Z support for similar reasons.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has spoken out for Palestinian Christians, refugee care and women in church leadership.
The Vatican announced Tuesday that the conclave to elect Francis’ successor will begin May 7. The last two conclaves each lasted just two days. This one, however, may come with a leaderboard.
