Two Catholic cardinals will be absent from next week’s conclave to elect a new pope due to health reasons, reducing the number of expected electors to 133, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.
While the Vatican did not name the cardinals, a source at the Archdiocese of Valencia confirmed to AFP that Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Antonio Cañizares will not attend because of health concerns.
A total of 135 cardinals are eligible to vote in the secret conclave, which will take place in the Sistine Chapel beginning May 7 and is expected to last several days.
Should no further absences occur, 133 cardinals will participate in the vote.
To be elected, the next pope must secure a two-thirds majority—now requiring 89 votes.
AFP
