The upcoming 2025 papal conclave will include cardinals of varying ages, with a focus on the youngest and oldest eligible voters. The conclave will feature 134 cardinals under the age of 80, who are eligible to vote. The youngest cardinals come from Australia, Mongolia, Portugal, and Canada. The oldest cardinals include representatives from Spain, Guinea, Poland, Pakistan, and England.
8 days ago
The upcoming papal conclave, scheduled to begin on May 7, 2025, will bring together cardinals from around the world to elect the next Pope 1. Among the 135 cardinals eligible to vote, there is a notable range in age, reflecting the diverse experiences and perspectives within the College of Cardinals 1 2. The presence of both young and seasoned cardinals underscores the breadth of the Church's global reach 1 2.
Cardinal Mykola Bychok, aged 45, is the youngest member of the College of Cardinals, hailing from Ukraine and serving as the eparch of Melbourne, Australia 1. Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, 50, an Italian missionary serving as the apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is another young voice in the conclave 1. The other three youngest cardinals are Cardinal Américo Manuel Aguiar Alves (51), Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (51), and Cardinal Francis Leo (53) 1.
Cardinals who are 80 years or older are not eligible to participate in the conclave 2. The five oldest cardinals eligible to vote include Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain, born May 16, 1945 2 3. The other four oldest cardinals are Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko of Poland, Cardinal Joseph Coutts of Pakistan, and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe of England 2 3. These cardinals bring decades of experience and service to the Church 2.
The cardinals participating in the conclave represent a wide array of nationalities, cultural backgrounds, and professional experiences 1 2. From missionary work in Mongolia to diplomatic service in the Vatican, their diverse backgrounds reflect the global nature of the Catholic Church 1. This diversity is crucial as the cardinals come together to select a new leader for the Church 1 2.
The College of Cardinals plays a vital role in the Catholic Church, especially during the election of a new Pope. Here's a breakdown of their responsibilities, composition, and the process they follow:
In summary, the College of Cardinals is central to the Catholic Church's governance and succession. Its members are tasked with electing the Pope and advising him on important matters. The composition of the College reflects the Church's universal character, and its operations during the vacancy of the Apostolic See are governed by specific rules and procedures.