The ongoing practice of betting on the next pope is gaining traction among enthusiasts, with platforms like Polymarket facilitating these wagers. Discussions among users suggest a growing interest in predictive markets regarding religious leadership. Additionally, there's cultural influence as demonstrated by the movie 'Conclave', which portrays the dynamics of papal elections and has intrigued viewers, reflecting a blend of pop culture with traditional religious processes. The conversation indicates potential opportunities for developing gamified experiences around such historical events, driving interest from both secular and religious audiences.