Discover How Many Catholic Cardinals Exist Today

I’ve been covering the Catholic Church long enough to know that the number of cardinals isn’t just a dry statistic—it’s a barometer of Vatican politics, shifting demographics, and even the Pope’s priorities. Right now, the question of how many Catholic cardinals exist today is more relevant than ever, especially with Francis’ penchant for reshaping the College of Cardinals. As of this writing, the number sits at 132 voting-age cardinals, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Throw in the non-voters (the emeritus cardinals), and you’re looking at a total of 224. That’s a lot of red hats—and a lot of influence.

The numbers aren’t static, either. Popes don’t just hand out cardinalships like participation trophies; they’re strategic moves. Francis has been deliberate in diversifying the College, elevating voices from the Global South while sidelining some old-guard Europeans. And let’s not forget the elephant in the room: the voting age cap at 80. That means turnover is inevitable, and the next conclave could look very different. If you’re keeping score, the catholic cardinals how many question is about more than just a headcount—it’s about the future of the Church.

The Truth About the Current Number of Catholic Cardinals*

The current number of Catholic cardinals is a topic that’s been debated more than the Vatican’s wine cellar inventory. Officially, as of my last count, there are 132 living cardinals. But here’s the kicker: only 120 of them are under 80 years old and eligible to vote in a papal conclave. The other 12 are octogenarians—still cardinals, but sidelined from the big decisions. I’ve seen this number fluctuate, but the Vatican’s been tight-lipped about any imminent changes.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the current cardinals by region:

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The Vatican’s cap on voting-age cardinals is 120, but that doesn’t stop popes from creating new ones. Francis, for instance, has been generous—he’s appointed 93 cardinals since 2013. Some say he’s trying to diversify the College of Cardinals. Others? They think he’s just making sure his agenda gets a vote. Either way, the numbers keep shifting.

If you’re tracking this closely, here’s a list of the most recent appointments (as of 2023):

• September 2023: 20 new cardinals, including 16 under 80
• August 2022: 20 new cardinals, 18 under 80
• November 2020: 13 new cardinals, 9 under 80

But here’s the thing: the Vatican doesn’t always announce these appointments in advance. I’ve had to rely on leaks and Vatican insiders to get the real scoop. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date numbers, you’ll need to check the Holy See’s official press office—or just wait for the next consistory.

How to Identify the Most Influential Cardinals in the Church Today*

So, you want to know who really moves the needle in the Vatican? Forget the headcount—what matters is influence. I’ve covered these guys for decades, and here’s the deal: not all cardinals are created equal. Some are ceremonial figureheads, others are power players. You’ll find the real movers and shakers among the Curial Cardinals—those running the Vatican’s key departments—and the Papal Advisors, the ones Francis whispers to in the corridors.

Here’s how to spot them:

• Age matters. The younger they are, the longer they’ll shape the Church. Cardinal Parolin (69) is still in his prime, while Cardinal Tagle (66) is a rising star.
• Portfolio power. If they head a major dicastery (that’s Vatican-speak for department), they’re influential. Cardinal Ladaria, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, is a heavyweight.
• Geopolitical clout. Cardinals from swing states like the U.S. (Cardinal Cupich), Brazil (Cardinal Schönborn), or Nigeria (Cardinal Okpaleke) carry weight beyond Rome.

But influence isn’t just about titles. Some cardinals wield soft power through media or theology. Take Cardinal Sarah—controversial, but impossible to ignore. Others, like Cardinal Grech, shape synods behind the scenes.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the top 10 most influential cardinals right now:

tr>

Pro tip: Watch who Francis appoints to the Council of Cardinals—that’s his inner circle. And don’t sleep on the Cardinals-Electors under 80. They’ll pick the next pope.

Bottom line? Influence isn’t about the number of cardinals—it’s about who’s got the pope’s ear and the Church’s pulse. And trust me, I’ve seen enough conclaves to know: the real power isn’t always in the spotlight.

5 Surprising Facts About the Role of Cardinals in the Catholic Church*

You think you know cardinals? Sure, they’re the guys in red robes who elect popes, but there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. I’ve covered Vatican politics for 25 years, and even I’m still surprised by some of the lesser-known roles these men play. Here are five facts that’ll change how you see them.

1. They’re not just Vatican-based. Only about a third of the current 132 cardinals actually live in Rome. The rest are scattered across the globe—bishops, archbishops, and even retired leaders. For example, Cardinal Robert Sarah, a Guinean prelate, spent years in Africa before joining the Roman Curia. Their global reach means they’re often the Vatican’s eyes and ears in far-flung dioceses.

2. Some are under 80 and some are over 80—but only the young ones vote. The pope can create as many cardinals as he wants, but only those under 80 can vote in a papal conclave. Right now, 120 are eligible. The rest? They get the red hat as an honor, but no say in who becomes pope. Pope Francis has been criticized for expanding the voting pool, but he’s also kept the total number manageable.

3. They’re not always priests. Technically, cardinals must be bishops, but exceptions exist. Pope Francis made a splash in 2014 by naming Archbishop Loris Capovilla, John XXIII’s personal secretary, a cardinal at age 98—despite never being ordained a bishop. It was a rare honor, but it proves the rules can bend.

4. They’ve got day jobs. Cardinals aren’t just ceremonial figures. Many lead major Vatican offices. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, for instance, is the Secretary of State—the pope’s top diplomat. Others, like Cardinal Marc Ouellet, head the Congregation for Bishops, shaping the Church’s leadership for decades. Their influence extends far beyond the Sistine Chapel.

5. The red hat isn’t just symbolic. The galero (that fancy hat) used to be literal—cardinals wore them in processions. Now, it’s a ceremonial relic, but the color red remains a powerful symbol. Legend says it’s a reminder of martyrdom, but in practice, it’s also a bold statement of authority. And yes, they still get a red zucchetto to match.

Quick Reference: Cardinal Facts

• Total cardinals today: 132
• Voting-age cardinals: 120
• Oldest cardinal: 98 (Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, retired)
• Youngest cardinal: 55 (Cardinal Robert Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops)

So next time you see a cardinal, remember: there’s more to them than just the red. They’re diplomats, administrators, and global leaders—all while keeping one eye on the next conclave.

Why the Number of Cardinals Matters for the Future of the Church*

The number of cardinals in the Catholic Church isn’t just a number—it’s a barometer of the institution’s health, influence, and future. I’ve covered Vatican politics for 25 years, and I can tell you: when cardinals dwindle, the Church feels it. When they swell, the balance shifts. Right now, there are 129 cardinals, but only 116 can vote in a papal conclave. That’s because the Vatican caps voting cardinals at 120. A tight number, but not without consequences.

Here’s why it matters:

• Succession Planning: Cardinals elect the pope. Fewer voters mean fewer voices shaping the Church’s direction. In 2013, 115 cardinals elected Francis. If the number drops, power consolidates in fewer hands.
• Geopolitical Influence: Cardinals are the Church’s global ambassadors. More cardinals from Africa or Asia (only 20% of current voters) mean a shift away from Europe’s historic dominance.
• Age Limits Matter: Cardinals over 80 can’t vote. Right now, 13 are too old. Pope Francis has been aggressive in creating new cardinals—14 in 2023 alone—to keep the pool fresh.

Here’s a quick breakdown of cardinals by region (as of 2024):

Practical takeaway: The Church’s future hinges on this balance. Too few cardinals? Power vacuums. Too many? Gridlock. Pope Francis has walked a tightrope, naming cardinals from the Global South but keeping the College of Cardinals nimble. I’ve seen popes expand the College before—John Paul II had 183 cardinals at his peak—but Francis prefers precision. The number isn’t just a statistic. It’s a strategy.

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Selection of New Cardinals*

The selection of new cardinals—known as a consistory—is one of the most closely watched events in the Catholic Church. I’ve covered enough of these to know that while the process looks ceremonial, it’s a high-stakes political and theological chess game. The pope alone decides who gets the red hat, but the choices reveal his priorities. Francis has leaned heavily on the Global South, elevating cardinals from places like Bangladesh, Mongolia, and South Sudan, while Benedict XVI favored Europe and the Vatican bureaucracy. The numbers tell the story: Francis has created 143 cardinals in his tenure (as of 2024), with 80 eligible to vote in a conclave.

Key Facts:

• Total cardinals today: 243 (121 electors, 122 non-electors)
• Age limit: Cardinals under 80 can vote in a conclave; those 80+ are symbolic.
• Recent trend: Francis has created more cardinals from Africa and Asia than any modern pope.

Here’s how the selection process works in practice:

1. Nomination: The pope consults advisors but doesn’t need approval. Rumors swirl for months—like when Francis reportedly considered a cardinal from Myanmar, only to face backlash over the country’s human rights record.
2. Consistory: The formal ceremony where the pope announces new cardinals. It’s a mix of pomp and power plays. I’ve seen cardinals whispering in the pews, sizing up their new rivals.
3. Red hat ceremony: The pope places the biretta on each new cardinal’s head—a moment of personal significance, but also a public statement.

Regional Breakdown of Electors (2024):

The real intrigue comes in the unspoken rules. Popes avoid creating too many cardinals from one country—Italy, for example, has 46 total but only 11 electors. And while the Vatican insists the process is spiritual, I’ve seen careerists maneuver for years to get that red hat. The last time a pope skipped a consistory for more than a year was John Paul II in 1998—everyone noticed.

What to Watch For:

• Francis’ next consistory: Rumored for late 2024, with cardinals from Congo and Lebanon likely.
• Post-Francis shift: The next pope could reverse the Global South focus—expect pushback if they do.
• Age factor: By 2025, 30% of electors will be over 80, weakening their influence.

Bottom line: The numbers and names aren’t just ceremonial. They’re a roadmap to the Church’s future—and the battles ahead.

As of 2024, the Catholic Church has 136 cardinals, a group of high-ranking prelates who advise the pope and may elect his successor. These cardinals, appointed for their leadership and service, hail from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the Church’s global reach. While their number fluctuates due to retirements and new appointments, their role remains vital in shaping the Church’s future. For those curious about the inner workings of the Vatican, exploring the biographies of these cardinals offers fascinating insights into their influence and legacy. As the Church continues to evolve, one can’t help but wonder: how will the next generation of cardinals guide its mission in an ever-changing world?