Lobbying for next pope heats up with outcome less predictable than ever

Eight in 10 of those eligible to vote in the conclave were appointed by Pope Francis in the past 12 years. Many had never met each other before heading to Rome over the past week after the pope’s death last Monday. But discreet ad hoc discussions and lobbying in the Vatican’s corridors, dining rooms and magnificent gardens have gathered pace over recent days. In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was not considered a papabile, but by the end of the conclave he was Pope Francis. Speculation on the outcome of the conclave has already become one of the most popular betting markets this year.