List of current cardinals

Cardinals constitute the highest rank of clergy below the Pope within the Catholic Church. As titular members of the clergy of the Diocese of Rome, they are intrinsically linked to the See of Peter, serving as principal advisors to the Pope. The majority of cardinals are elevated to the episcopacy, holding the rank of bishop, which signifies their pastoral authority and responsibility.

Their roles are diverse and critical, encompassing the leadership of major archdioceses worldwide and heading the various dicasteries (departments) of the Roman Curia, the central administrative apparatus of the Holy See. The selection process is a personal prerogative of the reigning Pope, who formally creates new cardinals in a ceremony known as a consistory. This power of creation allows the Pope to shape the future direction of the Church by appointing individuals who share his vision and theological outlook.

The collective body of cardinals is known as the College of Cardinals, a distinguished assembly with profound influence over Church governance and doctrine.

The evolution of the cardinalate is a fascinating study in ecclesiastical history. Originally, cardinals were primarily the senior clergy of Rome, including bishops, priests, and deacons, who assisted the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) in his pastoral duties and the administration of the diocese. Over centuries, their role expanded dramatically.

By the 11th century, cardinals had gained the exclusive right to elect the Pope, a power that cemented their position as the Pope's closest collaborators and the ultimate arbiters of papal succession. This shift transformed them from local assistants to a powerful international body. The canonical framework governing cardinals and their duties has been refined through numerous papal pronouncements and councils, culminating in modern apostolic constitutions that define their rights, responsibilities, and participation in Church governance, including the critical process of papal election.

The most solemn and significant duty of the College of Cardinals is the election of a new Pope when the papal office becomes vacant, a period known as the 'sede vacante'. This is conducted through a papal conclave, a highly structured and secret process designed to ensure spiritual reflection and freedom from external influence. Under current ecclesiastical law, specifically the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici gregis (1996), only cardinals who have not reached their 80th birthday by the day the Holy See becomes vacant are eligible to vote.

While the constitution limits the number of cardinal electors to 120, this limit has frequently been exceeded in practice. The conclave is a profound spiritual exercise, where cardinals engage in prayer, deliberation, and voting until a two-thirds majority is reached for a candidate. This responsibility places immense weight on the shoulders of the cardinal electors, as they are tasked with selecting the spiritual leader for over a billion Catholics worldwide.

As of November 8, 2025, the College of Cardinals comprises 245 members, with 126 of these being cardinal electors eligible to participate in a papal conclave. This number fluctuates due to deaths, resignations, and the creation of new cardinals. The most recent consistory, held on December 7, 2024, saw Pope Francis elevate 21 new cardinals, 20 of whom are cardinal electors.

This ongoing process of creation ensures that the College remains a dynamic and representative body, reflecting the global diversity of the Catholic Church. The age of cardinals is a significant factor; for instance, Vincent Nichols recently turned 80 on November 8, 2025, and Jean-Pierre Kutwa will be the next to reach this age on December 22, 2025, impacting future conclave eligibility. The passing of Cardinal Dominik Duka on November 4, 2025, at the age of 82, also illustrates the natural cycle of this esteemed body.

A unique aspect of cardinal creation is the practice of 'in pectore', Latin for 'in the breast'. This allows the Pope to name a cardinal whose identity is kept secret. Such a cardinal does not possess the full rights and privileges of a cardinal until their name is publicly revealed by the Pope.

If the Pope dies or resigns before revealing the identity of an 'in pectore' cardinal, that creation automatically lapses, meaning the individual does not become a cardinal. This practice, while rare, allows the Pope to acknowledge individuals for their service or to protect them in challenging political environments without immediate public scrutiny. It adds a layer of intrigue and strategic consideration to the process of forming the College of Cardinals, highlighting the Pope's discretion and the sensitive nature of some appointments.