Fantapapa is currently trending in Italy and beyond as a unique blend of fantasy football and papal selection.

Each participant in the game selects 11 cardinals they believe hold the most potential for becoming the next pope. According to Pietro Pace, one of the game’s creators, players pick their captain from their selected cardinals who they feel has the best chance of being chosen, while the least favored candidate takes on the role of goalkeeper.

This innovative approach to engaging with the papal selection—known as the Conclave—has attracted the attention of thousands, demonstrating the game’s light-hearted yet intriguing take on a serious event.

Mauro Vanetti, co-creator of Fantapapa, commented on the juxtaposition of serious geopolitical events and playful interaction: “We know that the religious hierarchies are part of the power in this country and at the global level, so it is a historic event. It seemed interesting to us to approach it in a light way, yet framed with real data.”