As six U.S. Cardinals prepare for the upcoming papal conclave, their backgrounds and support for current church priorities spark interest in the future direction of the Catholic Church.
U.S. Cardinals Gear Up for Papal Conclave: Who’s Who Among the Electors
U.S. Cardinals Gear Up for Papal Conclave: Who’s Who Among the Electors
Ten American Cardinals Prepare to Vote for the Next Pope Amidst Shifting Priorities in the Church
The College of Cardinals consists of 17 representatives from the United States, but only 10 are eligible to vote in the impending papal conclave. The remaining seven are over 80, surpassing the age limit for electors. Among the ten cardinal electors, six were appointed by Pope Francis and are recognized for their support of Francis’ mission on social justice issues like immigration, environmental stewardship, and poverty.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, the youngest elector at 76, has previously advocated for immigrants during his time in South Dakota and Spokane before his appointment to Chicago in 2014 as part of Pope Francis' renewal of U.S. church leadership. Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington, aged 71, has been a prominent voice for marginalized groups including migrants and the L.G.B.T.Q. community, directly opposing the Trump administration’s deportation strategies, which he deemed inconsistent with Catholic teachings.
Age 73, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin from Newark formerly led the Indianapolis archdiocese and has voiced support for greater inclusivity, including the potential appointment of women to cardinal roles. Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, 77 and the first African-American cardinal, once headed the U.S. bishops' conference and emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on child sexual abuse, while also advocating for L.G.B.T. Catholics.
Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, also 77, serves as prefect over the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, driving policies in those areas. He is recognized for his significant roles during papal transitions. Meanwhile, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, 69, also positioned as a papal advisor for global bishop appointments, adds an element of intrigue as a potential papal candidate despite the history of an American pope being unprecedented.
As these ten cardinal electors prepare to cast their votes, their combined experiences and the diverse heritage they represent are positioned to influence the Catholic Church’s trajectory for years to come.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, the youngest elector at 76, has previously advocated for immigrants during his time in South Dakota and Spokane before his appointment to Chicago in 2014 as part of Pope Francis' renewal of U.S. church leadership. Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington, aged 71, has been a prominent voice for marginalized groups including migrants and the L.G.B.T.Q. community, directly opposing the Trump administration’s deportation strategies, which he deemed inconsistent with Catholic teachings.
Age 73, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin from Newark formerly led the Indianapolis archdiocese and has voiced support for greater inclusivity, including the potential appointment of women to cardinal roles. Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, 77 and the first African-American cardinal, once headed the U.S. bishops' conference and emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on child sexual abuse, while also advocating for L.G.B.T. Catholics.
Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, also 77, serves as prefect over the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, driving policies in those areas. He is recognized for his significant roles during papal transitions. Meanwhile, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, 69, also positioned as a papal advisor for global bishop appointments, adds an element of intrigue as a potential papal candidate despite the history of an American pope being unprecedented.
As these ten cardinal electors prepare to cast their votes, their combined experiences and the diverse heritage they represent are positioned to influence the Catholic Church’s trajectory for years to come.
