A look into the ten American cardinals participating in the papal conclave, highlighting their unique contributions and perspectives.
Ten U.S. Cardinals Poised to Vote in Upcoming Papal Conclave
Ten U.S. Cardinals Poised to Vote in Upcoming Papal Conclave
With six attending their first conclave, interest grows in the diverse backgrounds of these influential church leaders.
May 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m. ET — As the papal conclave approaches, attention is drawn to the ten U.S. cardinals eligible to participate. While the College of Cardinals includes 17 American members, a significant portion, seven, are over the age of 80 and consequently unable to vote. Among the ten cardinal electors, a key dynamic is formed: six are newly appointed by Pope Francis, representing a shift in the church's focus on social issues such as immigration, environment, and poverty.
The newcomers include notable figures such as Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, who leads a diverse archdiocese serving about two million Catholics and is known for his progressive stance on welcoming immigrants. Similarly, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington is a strong advocate for the rights of women and L.G.B.T.Q. individuals, drawing considerable media attention for his outspoken views against mass deportation measures.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, who previously led the Indianapolis archdiocese, has been a champion for marginalized groups and even suggested the possibility of female cardinals. In a historic move, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, the first African-American cardinal, has been a leading voice against sexual abuse in the church and advocates for inclusivity within Catholicism.
Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, the Irish-American prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, plays a vital role in church governance and was entrusted by Pope Francis with significant responsibilities. Rounding out the group is Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, who not only serves a critical advisory role to the pope but is also seen as a potential candidate for the papacy, even though the prospect of an American pope remains unlikely.
These ten cardinals represent a significant shift and diversity within the Catholic Church's leadership, embodying the values and perspectives that might influence the direction of the papacy in the future.
The newcomers include notable figures such as Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, who leads a diverse archdiocese serving about two million Catholics and is known for his progressive stance on welcoming immigrants. Similarly, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington is a strong advocate for the rights of women and L.G.B.T.Q. individuals, drawing considerable media attention for his outspoken views against mass deportation measures.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, who previously led the Indianapolis archdiocese, has been a champion for marginalized groups and even suggested the possibility of female cardinals. In a historic move, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, the first African-American cardinal, has been a leading voice against sexual abuse in the church and advocates for inclusivity within Catholicism.
Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, the Irish-American prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, plays a vital role in church governance and was entrusted by Pope Francis with significant responsibilities. Rounding out the group is Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, who not only serves a critical advisory role to the pope but is also seen as a potential candidate for the papacy, even though the prospect of an American pope remains unlikely.
These ten cardinals represent a significant shift and diversity within the Catholic Church's leadership, embodying the values and perspectives that might influence the direction of the papacy in the future.
