7 facts about the Vatican’s secret society on the eve of a major election
Secret Meeting to Select New Leader of World’s Catholics to Convene in One Week; Ahead of Influential Election, Catholic Website Highlights 7 Facts About This Year’s Assembly
According to the English section of the webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, with one week remaining until the secret conclave of cardinals begins to elect the new leader of the world’s Catholics following the passing of Pope Francis, the news website Aleteia reported on seven key facts about this year’s electoral assembly.
Pope Francis, who had been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to an infection in both lungs and had been admitted multiple times over the past two years, passed away on April 21, 2025 (coinciding with Easter Monday), at age 88. Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement in February 2013 and died on December 31, 2022.Since the death of Pope john Paul II—which occurred six days after Easter in 2005—no pope has died while serving in office.
1. The Largest Papal Conclave Ever
This year’s assembly will include 133 voting cardinals out of 135 eligible. Events surrounding this meeting in Vatican City will unfold quietly from now until May 7.Theoretically, voting cardinals are capped at 120, but Pope Francis—like his predecessors—did not enforce this as a strict rule since members naturally decrease if they turn 80 or pass away. The 2013 conclave,with 115 voters,previously held the record for highest participation.
2. Youngest voter Born in 1980
The youngest cardinal this year is Mykola Bychok (45), affiliated with Ukraine’s Greek Catholic Church based in Australia. He turned 45 years and two months old shortly after his promotion (february 13). Historically, Benedict IX was reportedly elected pope around age 20 (1032).
3. Oldest Voter Barely Made It!
Carlos osoro Sierra (79) is this year’s oldest voter; he turns 80 on May 16. Had he been born a month earlier (age limit: under-80 when pope dies), he would have been disqualified from participating.
4.Cardinals Representing Six Continents
This year’s conclave includes cardinals worldwide:
###5.Italy has Most Cardinals(17)
Italy leads followed by US(10)&Brazil(7).Among Asian nations India&Philippines each have four while African/Oceanian delegates represent diverse countries.
6.Five Cardinals Attending Their Third Conclave!
Though ~80% were appointed by Pope Francis(first-time participants),five veterans are voting for their third papal election.
7.Religious Orders Represented By33Cardinal(~25%)
Eighteen religious orders have delegates among these voters.
