In a scene rich with tradition and expectation, 133 cardinal electors from across the globe are due to gather within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel to choose the next Bishop of Rome, following the death of Pope Francis.
The College of Cardinals will on May 7 assemble under the watchful gaze of Michelangelo’s frescoes, representing the vast and varied face of the modern Catholic Church.
At the time of Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025, there were 135 cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote.
The Holy See Press Office released a declaration prepared by the Cardinals gathered in the General Congregation on Wednesday.
The declaration specifies that all Cardinal electors present in the conclave have the right to vote for the new Pope.
The Cardinals note that paragraph 33 of the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs the conclave, allows 120 Cardinals to vote.
However, they say, the late Pope Francis dispensed with that numerical limit by creating more than 120 Cardinals under the age of 80.
Therefore, declare the Cardinals, “the Cardinals exceeding the set limit have acquired, in accordance with paragraph 36 of the same Apostolic Constitution, the right to elect the Roman Pontiff, from the moment of their creation and publication.”
However, two cardinals—Angelo Becciu of Italy and Antonio Cañizares of Spain—are not attending.
The Cardinals express their appreciation to Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu for deciding not to participate in the conclave that begins on May 7.
“The Congregation has taken note that he, having at heart the good of the Church and in order to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, has communicated his decision not to participate in it,” says the declaration.
The Cardinals add their hopes that the “competent juridical bodies may definitively ascertain the facts,” regarding the corruption case against Cardinal Becciu.
Becciu stepped aside following Pope Francis’s earlier request due to his involvement in a financial misconduct trial, while Cañizares is unable to travel because of health reasons.
As a result, 133 cardinal electors will enter the conclave set to begin on May 7, 2025.
From across the Atlantic, the American delegation is led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, and Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, DC, the first African-American cardinal in US history.
They are joined by Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego, representing a more progressive pastoral vision.
From across the Atlantic, the American delegation is led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, and Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, DC, the first African-American cardinal in US history.
They are joined by Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego, representing a more progressive pastoral vision.
Latin America brings its own strong voices to the Conclave. Cardinal Odilo Scherer of São Paulo, Brazil, a veteran known for his balance between tradition and reform, shares reflections with Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes of Mexico City, an advocate for the poor and migrants.
Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes of Managua, Nicaragua, long a steady voice in turbulent times, sits quietly in prayer nearby..
From Africa, the presence is notably vibrant. Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui, Central African Republic, radiates a spirit of reconciliation shaped by his nation’s conflicts.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa, DR Congo, seen deep in conversation with Cardinal Peter Turkson of Cape Coast, Ghana, both symbolize a continent where faith and struggle intertwine.
Uganda’s own Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, though above 80 and not voting, has sent his blessings to the electors.
Asia’s growing role in the Church is unmistakable.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, a tireless advocate for human rights, joins Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, India, one of Pope Francis’ closest advisers.
Cardinal Joseph Coutts of Karachi, Pakistan, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino Prefect of Evangelization, stand as familiar faces, bridging East and West.
Europe’s old guard still carries significant weight.
German cardinals, including Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, stand alongside Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille, France, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, England.
Spanish-speaking voices come strong from Cardinal Juan José Omella of Barcelona and Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra of Madrid.
Australia’s Cardinal Anthony Fisher of Sydney and New Zealand’s Cardinal John Dew of Wellington complete the Oceania contingent, bringing the voice of a region often overlooked but deeply faithful.
The conclave also features lesser-known figures expected to play quiet but pivotal roles, such as Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, Sweden—the first Swedish cardinal in history—and Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, the Portuguese Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, celebrated for his intellectual depth.
As the doors of the Sistine Chapel closed and the famous Extra Omnes was proclaimed, the cardinals entered into profound silence.
The world outside now waits for the appearance of white smoke, which will signal that the 268th Pope has been elected.
Inside, tradition and transformation hang in the air, as a truly global Church prays for guidance, trusting that from these diverse voices, a single successor to Saint Peter will emerge.
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