Predicting the next Pope is proving difficult for even sophisticated betting markets. Experts say the secrecy surrounding the conclave, coupled with the cardinals' unpredictable politics and lack of public information, makes accurate predictions nearly impossible. Unlike a presidential election with readily available data, the closed-door nature of the conclave limits information accessible to bettors. The 2013 election, where the eventual Pope Francis was an unexpected choice, highlights the inherent unpredictability of the process.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.