Cardinals finalize list of eligible cardinal electors for conclave — Vatican

The Congregation of Cardinals issued a declaration on Wednesday that tackled two matters "of a matter of a procedural nature," the number of Cardinal-electors and the situation of Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The first is with regards to the Cardinal electors, as it was revealed that the late Pope Francis created more cardinals than was stipulated in the document entitled "Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis" authored by Saint John Paul II in the 22nd of February 1996.

According to paragraph No. 33 of the document, allows 120 cardinals to cast their vote during conclave.

"However, they say, the late Pope Francis dispensed with that numerical limit by creating more than 120 Cardinals under the age of 80," Vatican News reported.

So, the cardinals, in the declaration issued on Apil 30, 2025 said "the Cardinals exceeding the set limit have acquired, in accordance with No. 36 of the same Apostolic Constitution, the right to elect the Roman Pontiff, from the moment of their creation and publication."

The second issued, "Regarding His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, it was noted that the latter, having the good of the Church at heart, and to contribute to the communion and serenity of the Conclave, has communicated his decision not to take part in it. In this regard, the Congregation of Cardinals expresses its appreciation for the gesture he has made, and hopes that the competent judicial bodies will be able to definitively ascertain the facts."

Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the most senior Catholic Church official ever to stand trial before a Vatican criminal court, said in a statement he would not enter the conclave.

Becciu was sentenced to 5-1/2 years in jail by a Vatican court in December 2023. He denies all wrongdoing and is free pending an appeal.

At present, there are 133 cardinals eligible to select the new pope in the conclave that is set to start on May 7, 2025.

It was earlier announced that two cardinals will not be able to particiapte in the conclave due to health reasons. The Vatican did not provide details as to the identiy of the cardinals.

Message of thanks

"The College of Cardinals wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to the Heads of the Churches and non-Catholic ecclesial communities who were present or who sent their Delegations to the funeral of Pope Francis last 26 April, as well as to the representatives of Judaism, Islam and other religions," according to the communique posted by the Holy See Press Office.

"With gratitude for the solidarity shown in the moment of suffering, the College of Cardinals also addresses all the civil Delegations," according to the statement, referring to "Sovereigns, Princes, Heads of State and Government, Ministers and other government leaders."

"Their presence was particularly appreciated as participation in the suffering of the Church and the Holy See at the passing of the Pontiff, and as homage to his unceasing commitment to promote faith, peace and fraternity among all the peoples of the earth."

The prelates also expressed their gratitude to the Italian government, media practitioners, and employees of the Holy See and Vatican City, "who contributed with great commitment and generosity to the preparation of all that was necessary for the various celebrations, acknowledging that, thanks to their work, everything proceeded with order and calm."

"Finally, a grateful thought is extended to the thousands of teenagers and young people who participated in the Jubilee of Sunday 27 April, showing the face of a Church alive with the life of her Risen Lord, and to all the people of God who walk with hope towards the future. — BAP, GMA Integrated News