April 9, 2011. (Romereports.com) On April 11 Italian Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani turns  80 years old, he was one of the main collaborators of John Paul II during the last years of his pontificate. His 80th birthday holds a special significance, it means he loses the right to enter an eventual conclave to elect the next pope. The passing of his birthday reduces the number of cardinal electors to 115.

Cardinal Sebastiani has been responsible for handling delicate diplomatic work as nuncio in Madagascar and Turkey, especially in matters with Islam.

In 1997, John Paul II asked him to take charge of the Prefecture of Economic Affairs for the Holy See, which publishes the accounts of the Vatican every year. He held this position until 2008, when he turned 78.