When the conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel today, everything will revolve around the successor to Pope Francis.
In the Roman Catholic Church, the Conclave is the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope.
The focus will be on the cardinals, including some who are not considered candidates and are less well-known. However, one woman also plays an important role.
GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE, 91:
The Italian has been one of the most important figures in the Vatican since the death of Francis.
As dean of the College of Cardinals, he celebrated the grand Requiem Mass with state guests from around the world. In recent days, he also led the meetings of the cardinals, the so-called General Congregation. However, he is already 11 years too old to vote in the conclave.
PIETRO PAROLIN, 70:
Since Re’s deputy, Vice Dean Leonardo Sandri, 81, has also exceeded the age limit, the conclave will be led by the highest-ranking cardinal bishop eligible to vote: Parolin.
The Italian, previously the Vatican’s secretary of state, the second highest rank in the political and diplomatic functions of the Vatican, is also considered one of the favourites.
DOMINIQUE MAMBERTI, 73:
Almost the whole world will be watching the French cleric once a new pope has been chosen.
As cardinal protodeacon, he has the job of stepping onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and announcing: “Habemus papam” (We have a pope) – unless he is elected himself, but that does not seem likely.
RAFFAELLA PETRINI, 56:
The Italian Franciscan is one of the women recently appointed by Francis to leadership positions in the Vatican.
As president of the governorate of Vatican City State, she is the administrative head of the Vatican. Her tasks include ensuring the smooth running of the conclave.
This means she is also responsible for ensuring that everything remains truly secret. However, she will not be present in the Sistine Chapel.
MYKOLA BYCHOK, 45:
The Ukrainian cleric is the youngest among the 133 cardinals eligible to vote. Previously, he served as a cleric in his home country, Ukraine, and in the United States.
Today, he is a bishop in the Australian city of Melbourne. He also holds Australian citizenship.
CARLOS OSORO SIERRA, 79:
The Spaniard – formerly archbishop of Madrid – is the oldest cardinal allowed to participate in the decision. He was born on May 16, 1945.
This means that if Francis had lived one month longer, he would no longer be involved.
PHILIPPE OUÉDRAOGO, 79/80:
The cardinal from Burkina Faso, formerly archbishop of Ouagadougou, is listed in the papal yearbook for 2025 with the birth date of December 31, 1945.
Strangely, the year before, he was still listed with January 25, 1945, as in his identity card. Now he can vote.
GIOVANNI ANGELO BECCIU, 76:
The Italian made headlines again shortly before the conclave. He was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for embezzlement and fraud in a Vatican real-estate deal. The appeal is still ongoing.
However, Francis had already excluded him from the conclave. Initially, Becciu still wanted to participate. Eventually, he decided not to
