A number of questions have come up repeatedly, so we’re answering them here.
Q) Isn’t this Sacrilegious?
A) We hope no one takes it that way. The creators of Fantasy Pope have long been fascinated by the politics, history, and mechanics of selecting a new Pope. The creators and participants include representatives of diverse religions (and lack thereof), including baptized, confirmed Roman Catholics. We hope everyone takes this as good-natured fun and gets people thinking about one of the most important positions in the world.
Q) What are the limitations on candidates?
A) None! The Church places some limitations on who can be Pope, but they aren’t that strict other than excluding women. While it’s hard to imagine the next Pope will come from other than the curia, the Church has provisions for making a lay person Pope, should one be elected. In any case, we aren’t here to enforce rules for the Church or anyone else. If you want to put your mom on your list, have at it! The entry form includes all the voting-age Cardinals, as well as a couple other older Cardinals whose names have been mentioned. But there’s an option to write in anyone you like.
Q) What if an Antipope establishes himself in Avignon?
A) It has happened before, and as scholars of Church history, we would certainly be fascinated by schism or other shenanigans. In any case, we will honor only the Pope elected by the Roman Catholic Church and who is crowned Pope in the Vatican. If anyone would like to develop Fantasy Antipope, feel free, and count on us to participate!
Q) Is there a list of papal candidates and papal names from which to choose?
A) Our entry form uses the current voting-age Cardinals plus a couple older Cardinals whose names have been tossed around as potential candidates. But there is an “Other” option where you can write in anyone you like. For papal names, all prior Popes are listed here and our entry form includes those names, in order of number of times prior Popes used them. Again, there is an “Other” option where you can write in any name you’d like. If you think Stephen Colbert is going to be elected and name himself Pope Larry I, you can certainly include that on your entry.
Q) Can we be excommunicated for participating in this?
A) It is true that Pope Gregory XIV, in response to gamblers in Rome wagering on the conclave, issued a Papal Bull establishing excommunication as the punishment for wagering on the conclave. We do not imagine he intended that to cover fantasy sports with no monetary component, which would not be invented for many centuries. However, everyone participates at their own risk, and must search their own soul for guidance.
Q) How will you determine what continent the Pope is from?
A) We will use continent of the new Pope’s birth. Other approaches such as current appointment will overrepresent Europe due to the number of candidates in Vatican or nearby posts.