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The upcoming papal conclave, starting on May 7, will be the largest in history with 135 cardinals eligible to vote. This diverse group represents 72 different countries. In comparison, the conclaves held in 2005 and 2013 had 115 cardinal-electors each.
Among the cardinals, the average age as of April 28 was 70 years and 5 months, which is slightly younger than the average age of electors in 2013. The electoral process, as outlined in “Universi Dominici Gregis,” excludes cardinals who turn 80 before the Apostolic See is vacant from participating.
Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra, who will turn 80 on May 16, is the oldest voter. The youngest is 45-year-old Cardinal Mykola Bychok of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul of Melbourne, Australia. He is also among the 17 cardinals from Generation X.
A majority of the cardinals participating in this conclave have not voted before, with 108 electors attending their first conclave. Only five cardinals were appointed by St. John Paul II, and 22 by Pope Benedict XVI. Meanwhile, 27 participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, and of these, five also took part in the 2005 conclave.
Geographically, Europe remains predominant with 52 cardinals, making up 37% of the voters. However, representation from Asia is at its highest with 24 electors, accounting for nearly 18%. Latin America follows with 23 cardinals, Africa with 18, North America with 14, and Oceania with four. Italy, with 16 voting-age cardinals, has the highest number from any single country, followed by the United States with 10.
Fifty-nine countries have one or two cardinal electors, underscoring the conclave’s international character. In addition to the geographical diversity, 33 voting-age cardinals belong to religious orders.
The Vatican is also heavily represented, with 27 members of the Roman Curia participating. As a two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope, at least 90 votes would be needed for one candidate to be chosen, if all 135 cardinals were present.
Cardinals were seen lining the aisle as Pope Francis' casket was carried into St. Peter’s Basilica during his funeral Mass on April 26, 2025.
