In a new video game that lets players choose their favorite cardinals as the new pontiff, thousands are already doing so as cardinals prepare to elect a new pope.
Since its launch last week after Pope Francis’ passing last week, almost 60, 000 people have reportedly signed up for Fantapapa, an online game that plays on Italians’ love of football and the Church, according to its creators on Tuesday.
One of the website’s two founders, Pietro Pace, 42, told AFP: “People are enthralled by Vatican power dynamics.
“Playing allows them to try to unravel some of the mystery that surrounds them” says one player.
The game resembles fantasy league, a popular sport where players pretend to be the head coaches of professional teams. The Italian “Fantacalcio” is a football fantasy league.
A captain (the “most papable” cardinal) and a goalkeeper (the least likely winner) are selected from a squad of 11 cardinals, according to Fantapapa, an Italian word for pope, giving an overview of the frontrunners’ votes on the website.
Also read: Conclave to begin voting for a new Pope on May 7th, Vatican
Matteo Zuppi was the cardinal with the most votes as of Tuesday, followed by Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Pietro Parolin, all of whom were roughly in line with bookmakers’ expectations.
However, some dark horses made the top ten.
According to Pace, Cardinal Fabio Baggio placed seventh, perhaps because he and Italian football legend Roberto Baggio shared the surname.
In order of first place, Jose Advincula of the Philippines placed sixth, making him a quick pick for users who were rushing to finish their roster.
Most players do not think Mykola Bychok will become pope because of his top goal selection, which is currently the world’s youngest cardinal.
The new pope’s political leaning, his religious order, his language, and his new name are also given points, respectively.
Francis, John, Pius, Paul, and Leo were the choices that received the most votes in this category.
Fantapapa, the brainchild of Mauro Vanetti and Pace, an AI worker, is unpaid because its creators are anti-gambling activists.
Instead, Pace claimed, winners will receive “eternal glory.”
On April 21, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. On May 7, the conclave to choose his successor will start.
Source: Channels TV
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