Four Indian Cardinals Eligible to Vote in Upcoming Papal Conclave

Four Indian Cardinals: Following Pope Francis's demise on Easter Monday, the Vatican has entered a traditional nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale. During this period, preparations for the election of the next head of the Catholic Church will commence. The mourning period will be followed by a conclave in which Cardinals from across the world will gather to elect the next Pope.

Who Are The 4 Indian Cardinals Eligible To Vote In Next Papal Conclave

As of April 19, there are 252 Cardinals globally, of whom 135 are eligible to vote in the papal conclave.

While India is home to six cardinals, only four are currently eligible to vote in the next Papal conclave, as Cardinals George Alencherry and Oswald Gracias have both crossed the age of 80, the canonical limit for voting eligibility.

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The four eligible Indian Cardinals are Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, news agency ANI reported.

The upcoming Conclave will see four Indian Cardinals eligible to vote. Cardinals Oswald Gracias, 80, and George Alencherry, 79, will not participate due to exceeding the age limit. Alencherry’s eligibility ended on April 19, 2025. The four Indian Cardinals who will participate are:

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão (72): Archbishop of Goa and Daman, known for his work in interfaith dialogue and social justice.

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Cardinal Cleemis Baselios (64): Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, elevated to Cardinal in 2012.

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad (51): Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and a Vatican diplomat, responsible for coordinating papal travels.

Cardinal Anthony Poola (63): India’s first Dalit Cardinal, dedicated to serving marginalised communities.

Pope Francis had been facing increasingly complex health issues in recent months. He was hospitalised on February 14, where doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia in both lungs, according to the Vatican.

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