Two Cardinals to Miss Papal Conclave Due to Health Reasons; Voting College Now at 133

VATICAN CITY, May 5, 2025: Two cardinals will not be attending the upcoming papal conclave in Rome, reducing the number of voting electors from 135 to 133. The absent cardinals are Antonio Cañizares of Spain and John Njue of Kenya, both citing health reasons as the cause for their non-participation.

Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, the 79-year-old Archbishop Emeritus of Valencia, announced his decision to stay in Spain due to ongoing health concerns. Although still eligible to vote—he turns 80 in October—Cañizares informed Vatican officials of his intention to withdraw from the conclave.

The identity of the second absentee, initially undisclosed, has now been confirmed as Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi. He will also not travel to Rome, likewise on medical advice.

Speculation initially surrounded Cardinal Vinko Puljić of Bosnia, also aged 79, who had earlier indicated he might not attend due to health issues. However, after receiving medical clearance and confirmation of the Vatican's request, the Archbishop Emeritus of Sarajevo has decided to participate in the conclave.

With these developments, the College of Cardinals now counts 133 eligible electors for the next conclave, in accordance with the Church’s rules that only cardinals under the age of 80 may vote for a new pope.

Source: RomeReports