The rules established by Pope Saint John Paul II stated that the Dean of the College of Cardinals should be the one to preside over the rites of the conclave, but what happens if he is over 80 years old?
This is the case of Cardinal Re, the dean of the College. He is 91 years old and, although he has presided over the general congregations, he will not be able to lead the meetings in the Sistine Chapel.
In his place, vice dean should preside, but Cardinal Sandri is 81 years old, so he also will not be able to do so either. Therefore, another cardinal will take on the responsibility.
FR. ROBERTO REGOLI
Historian, Gregorian University
Since he does not have a vote in the conclave, the role of the Cardinal Dean is taken over by another cardinal and bishop. In our case, as of now, the cardinal who will replace Cardinal Dean Re is Cardinal Parolin.
And the reason it is Parolin has to do with the Pope and the rank held by each cardinal. They can belong to one of three orders: the order of deacons, priests, or bishops.
The order of bishops is the highest rank and includes, for example, the dean and the vice dean. Until 2018, there were only six cardinals in this order, handpicked by the pope.
But that year, Pope Francis decided to elevate more cardinals to this rank. Cardinal Parolin was one of them and, in fact, he was listed first. Therefore, since he is under 80 years old and a cardinal bishop, he will be the one to preside over the conclave in the Sistine Chapel.
CA
Trans. CRT
