🇺🇸 U.S. Cardinals in the 2025 Papal Conclave. Who’s Voting and Why It Matters.
With the passing of the Pope, the Catholic Church prepares for one of its most sacred and closely watched traditions: the Papal Conclave. This is the process by which a new pope is elected. This solemn event brings together cardinal electors from around the globe. They cast their votes in the Sistine Chapel. Among them, 10 cardinals from the United States. Of them, 9 cardinals born in seven states. They will have the power to help decide the next pope. Here, we will discuss US Cardinal Electors 2025. We will wait with patience as the conclave chooses the next pope.
May 8, 2025 — Update:
Meet the U.S. Cardinal Electors (2025 Papal Conclave)
White smoke rises — Habemus Papam! Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope. Born in the United States, he now becomes the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
This article lists the U.S. cardinals who were eligible to vote in the 2025 Papal Conclave and highlights which state Pope Prevost was born in.
🎉 Who Is Pope Robert Francis Prevost?
Pope Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago, Illinois. Before becoming pope, he served as the prefect for the Dicastery for Bishops and was a bishop in Peru for over a decade. Known for his pastoral style and calm presence, Pope Prevost now becomes the first American to hold the papacy.
🗺️ What Happens Now?
The new pope will soon give his first public address, known as the Urbi et Orbi blessing. Until then, global attention is focused on his background, priorities, and the U.S. role in the Church.
Explore more about the states these cardinals represent and the American connection to this historic conclave.
April 28, 2025 — Update:
As the world prepares for the upcoming Papal Conclave to elect the next pope, it’s crucial to understand the key players in this historic event. The US Cardinal Electors, a group of cardinals under 80 years old, will have an important role to play as they cast their votes in the Conclave beginning on May 7, 2025
Source: Reuters
April 22, 2025 — Update:
Pope Francis’ final words, spoken to his nurse, were:
“Thank you for bringing me back to the square.”
Source: EWTN Vatican News
A quiet expression of gratitude. This last sentence reflects the pope’s deep love for St. Peter’s Square. Also, it shows his mission to serve. As the world now turns to the 2025 conclave, we carry this final message. We do so with reverence and reflection.
Follow our ongoing coverage. We observe this global event.
🙊 What Is the Papal Conclave?
The Papal Conclave is the centuries-old procedure used to elect a new pope. It is held inside the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. “Conclave” means “with key.” This is a reference to the locked-door nature of the election. It is designed to ensure secrecy and reflection. The conclave convenes to elect a new pope.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time the papal seat becomes vacant are eligible to vote. This age limit was established by Pope Paul VI in 1970. It was reaffirmed by subsequent pontiffs. The intent is to ensure the voting body remains active and engaged in current ecclesiastical matters. Apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
🗳️ How Many U.S. Cardinals Are Electors?
There are currently 17 living American cardinals. As of April 2025, only 10 of them are under the age of 80. Thus, only 10 are eligible to vote in the conclave.
See the full list of U.S. cardinals here. See the full list of voting cardinals here.
Here’s a list of the 10 U.S. electors. Nine were born in the U.S. Shown here is their birth state or archdiocese they represent:
🇺🇸 US Cardinal Electors 2025
| Cardinal | Age | Origin or State Association |
|---|---|---|
| Raymond Leo Burke | 76 | Wisconsin |
| Blase Joseph Cupich | 76 | Nebraska |
| Daniel Nicholas DiNardo | 75 | Ohio |
| Timothy Michael Dolan | 75 | Missouri |
| Kevin Joseph Farrell | 77 | Ireland / served in MD, DC, TX |
| Wilton Daniel Gregory | 77 | Illinois |
| James Michael Harvey | 75 | Wisconsin |
| Robert Walter McElroy | 71 | California |
| Robert Francis Prevost | 69 | Illinois |
| Joseph William Tobin | 72 | Michigan |
Source: USA Today, April 21, 2025
📍 A Global Gathering. But U.S. Voices Matter.
Although the conclave is a global affair, the United States remains a major voice in Catholicism. This is due to its large Catholic population, vast diocesan structure, and international influence. With 10 voting cardinals, the U.S. has one of the largest national delegations in the conclave — second only to Italy.
American cardinals often bring a unique mix of global sensibility and local pastoral experience. This is due to having led some of the largest dioceses in the world. Their presence in Rome underscores the significance of American Catholicism on the global stage.
🙏 What Happens Next for US Cardinal Electors 2025?
Once all electors are gathered, the conclave begins. This is with a special Mass. Then, inside the Sistine Chapel, cardinals vote. They may vote up to four times a day until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Ballots are burned after each round. This produces the famous black or white smoke. White smoke signifies a new pope has been elected. Black smoke signifies no new pope has been elected.
🌍 A Time of Transition and Global Unity
This conclave marks another moment. A moment where faith, history, and global cooperation intersect. As we await the next chapter of papal leadership, the 10 US cardinal electors 2025 stand ready to help guide the Church’s future.
Want to know more about the U.S. and global religious history?
Explore more surprising and significant moments at WhichStates.com.
