Vatican Conclave Heads Into May 7 with 133 Electors as Two Cardinals Drop Out.
The Vatican revealed on April 29 that two cardinals will miss next week’s conclave to choose a new pope due to health issues, cutting the number of potential electors to 133.
While the Vatican did not disclose the names of the cardinals, a source from the Archdiocese of Valencia confirmed to AFP that Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, the Archbishop Emeritus of Valencia, would be absent for health reasons. Out of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote in the secret election, which will take place in the Sistine Chapel starting on May 7, only 133 will now participate. The process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, is expected to stretch over several days.
With two electors absent, the threshold needed to secure the papacy drops to 89 votes, or a two-thirds majority. The conclave comes on the heels of Pope Francis’s resignation, and much speculation surrounds the identity of his successor. Various names are being discussed among Vatican watchers and insiders.
