ChatGPT is taking a “risk” by forecasting the successor to the late Pope Francis among a pool of 135 candidates. By analyzing each candidate’s characteristics, qualifications, and background, the technology has identified the individual considered most likely to take the reins of the Roman Catholic Church.

As attention remains fixated on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, awaiting the white smoke that will signal the election of the new Pope, ChatGPT — the leading AI tool from DeepAI — has determined that Cardinal Pietro Parolin stands out as the frontrunner to succeed Pope Francis.

Having served as Vatican Secretary of State for over ten years, Parolin, if elected, would bring the papal title back to Italy after 40 years, following three leaders from abroad.

Why Does ChatGPT Favor Parolin?

He is seen as the “ideal” successor to Pope Francis due to his acceptance among both reformers and traditionalists. In closed votes, where European and Latin American cardinals play a decisive role, he is regarded as a safe choice if a clearly progressive candidate cannot prevail.

ChatGPT highlights Parolin’s extensive diplomatic experience and his ability to speak multiple languages as significant advantages. However, there is no mention of his involvement in a Vatican financial scandal concerning real estate in London, which could potentially work against his election.

In any case, ChatGPT views Parolin as the “favorite,” even though there are significant competitors. While he may be the “safest” choice to continue Pope Francis’s work, strong contenders for the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church include Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, and Matteo Zuppi.

Interestingly, there is no need for ChatGPT to establish this, as betting odds on the cryptocurrency betting site Polymarket indicate a neck-and-neck battle between Parolin and Tagle from the Philippines, with their current probabilities at 28% and 25%, respectively. There have even been moments where Tagle surpassed the Italian in odds, and one can never know with certainty what will happen — until the white smoke appears.

Currently, there are 135 cardinals under the age of 80 who meet the criteria and are set to enter the conclave, from which they will only emerge once a candidate secures two-thirds of the votes and white smoke rises from the chimney.