Contender Emerges Unexpectedly: American Robert Prevost Assumes New Role as Pope
May 8, 2025, 01:46h.
Last updated on: May 8, 2025, 01:47h.
Meet the New Pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost, an Unexpected Choice
The unexpected happened today as Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the new Pope, marking a historical moment as the first American to hold the position.
Parolin Falls Short as Favorites Doubted
Initial bets showed Cardinal Pietro Parolin as the front-runner, but things took an unexpected turn when white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney. Just minutes later, the news broke—Prevost, a relatively unknown candidate, would become the new Pontiff.
Parolin, a Vatican diplomat with a mix of progressive and conservative ideologies, had surged as the betting favorite after the white smoke was seen. However, it was clear the cardinals had other ideas.
From Underdog to the Chosen One
Boasting a missionary background in South America and a stint as a bishop in Peru, Prevost was not among the initial frontrunners in the election. In fact, Kalshi had Prevost with a mere 1% chance of being elected, and BetMGM had him at +5000. Surprisingly, less than 1% of bets were placed on Prevost, with 58% of money backing Luis Antonio Tagle.
Recognizing a Progressive Approach and a New Era
With media reporting Prevost's progressive leanings, many anticipate him to continue the reforms initiated by Pope Francis, who recently passed away on April 21st. The next Pope, known as Pope Leo XIV, is expected to maintain a forward-thinking approach to the Catholic Church.
As we celebrate this milestone, the world eagerly awaits to see how the first American Pope shapes the future of the Church.
- Despite BetMGM having Cardinal Robert Prevost at +5000, he surprising emerged as the new Pope, marking a historical moment as the first American to hold the position.
- Initially, less than 1% of bets were placed on Prevost, who boasts a missionary background in South America and a stint as a bishop in Peru, yet he was the one chosen by the cardinals.
- Meanwhile, fellow cardinal Pietro Parolin, whose initial bets showed him as the front-runner, found his chances dwindling when white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
- As the entertainment world continues to watch developments unfold, many anticipate Prevost to follow Pope Francis' progressive footsteps, as media reports indicate his progressive leanings.
- The sports-betting community will now keep a close eye on events within the Church as the general-news coverage and the future direction of politics under the new Pope, Pope Leo XIV, unfold.
