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As the body of Pope Francis is laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica, the College of Cardinals is gearing up for the crucial task of electing a new pope after days of ceremonies and mourning.
The death of Pope Francis has triggered a time-honored process within the Roman Catholic Church, with cardinals from every corner of the globe gathering in Vatican City to pay their respects and later select his successor. The current composition of the College of Cardinals is significant, representing a shift in demographics that has not been seen in previous centuries.
Here’s an overview of what to expect:
Number of Cardinal Electors
Out of the total 252 cardinals at the time of Pope Francis’s passing, only those under the age of 80 can participate in the conclave, leaving 135 who hold voting rights. Notably, Pope Francis appointed 108 of these 135 electors, according to Vatican statistics.
Conclaves are traditionally scheduled to commence between 15 to 20 days following the death or resignation of a pope. The start date can be moved up if all electors arrive at the Vatican prior to the end of the 15-day period.
Diversity Beyond Europe
The present College of Cardinals marks a significant move away from a predominantly European representation. This change is emblematic of Pope Francis’s efforts to represent the global Catholic community more accurately, especially as he is the first pope from South America.
According to experts, this gathering will be regarded as “the least European conclave in history,” as noted by Gregg Gassman, a librarian and editor of the Pontifacts podcast. Francis has extended cardinal status to countries including Haiti, Laos, and Rwanda, as well as increasing Asia’s share in the College to 17%, with 23 electors, placing it just behind Europe.
Currently, elector cardinals hail from over 70 countries, including 10 from the U.S., compared to the 2013 conclave where cardinals were from just 48 nations, as reported by Catholic News Service.
While Europe still comprises roughly 40% of the electors, it represents just over 20% of the global Catholic population, reported by the Vatican in March. Notably, in the 1922 conclave, participation was entirely European, exemplifying the substantial evolution within the church.
Dynamics of the Upcoming Conclave
The upcoming conclave in 2025 is anticipated to be notably intricate, according to church historian Massimo Faggioli. With a diverse and historically significant group of electors, understanding the dynamics of how votes will align is more challenging than in prior elections.
Experts suggest the sheer size of the College of Cardinals — over 130 electors — may pose difficulties in forming a consensus. Communication and familiarity among cardinals are limited; they gather only for brief occasions, increasing the likelihood of fragmented factions during the conclave.
“The conclave and the next pope cannot ignore the changing landscape of global Catholicism,” Faggioli remarked. “This means a church that is less European and more reflective of the Global South, often critical of modern capitalism.”
Role of the Deans
The responsibilities of summoning cardinals to the Vatican and managing the conclave rest with the dean of the College of Cardinals. The influential position is not only administrative but also ceremonial, including presiding over a special Mass and delivering a homily that can shape the focus for the electors.
Historically, some deans have ascended to the papacy themselves, like Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Currently, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re serves as the dean but will not participate in the conclave due to his age. Instead, oversight will be provided by the most senior elector, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former secretary of state under Pope Francis.
As they engage in this momentous responsibility, the cardinal electors will face considerable pressure. According to Martens, “the weight of choosing the next pope brings enormous tension,” and uncertainty is an intrinsic part of this revered process. “Entering the conclave as a favorite often results in exiting as just a cardinal,” he concluded.
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