As preparations begin for the next conclave to select a successor to Pope Francis, it has been confirmed that only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. Of the total, 134 cardinals are qualified to participate in the 2025 conclave, including 15 who are currently 79 years old and nearing the age limit.
Originally, 135 cardinals were eligible. However, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares of Spain withdrew due to health reasons, reducing the number of voters to 134.
The age restriction for papal electors was introduced by Pope Paul VI in the 1970s and was reaffirmed by Pope John Paul II in the 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
The five oldest voting cardinals hail from Spain, Guinea, Poland, Pakistan, and England.
Among them, Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain is known for his pastoral approach and strong advocacy for Catholic education. Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea has gained recognition for promoting traditional liturgy and authoring several religious books. Cardinal Joseph Coutts of Pakistan is widely respected for his work in interfaith dialogue and religious cooperation.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe of England, a prominent retreat leader and former head of the Dominican order, contributed to the Synod on Synodality through his spiritual meditations.
