As of now at the end of 2023, there are 132 cardinal electors. But by 2024, there will be 13 cardinals who turn 80 years old. This means that they will be unable to participate in the event of a conclave.
Among these cardinals is Luis Ladaria, former Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. There is also another high-profile cardinal from the Roman Curia: Canadian Marc Ouellet, who was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. In addition, a cardinal who is a symbol of the Church's fight against pedophilia, Seán Patrick O'Malley, will be 80 years old. And from Asia, Cardinal Oswald Gracias will also become an elector. He has served on the council of cardinals that advises the Pope on governmental matters. All of these cardinals add to the universality of the College, as desired by Pope Francis.
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The College of Cardinals is called to resemble a symphony orchestra, representing the symphony and synodality of the Church.
At the beginning of 2024, Italy will continue to have a predominant position with 14 cardinal electors, although this number is half of the amount they had during the 2013 conclave.
Among those 14 is not Angelo Becciu, due to the papal decision to withdraw his rights to be a cardinal for his mismanagement of Vatican funds during his time as substitute Secretary of State.
The other countries with the most cardinal electors at the beginning of 2024 are the United States, with 11, and Spain with 8.
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