Non-Elector Cardinals: Asia’s Lasting Witness in the Church

Asia has strengthened its influence within the Catholic Church, with 37 cardinals now part of the College of Cardinals as of April 2025, including 23 electors who will participate in the conclave set for May 7, 2025.

According to the latest Vatican data, there are 117 non-elector cardinals around the world. These senior church leaders come from various continents, reflecting the Church’s global presence and diversity.

Non-Elector Cardinals in Asia

Asia, a continent where the Catholic Church continues to grow vibrantly, has 14 non-elector cardinals. Here is the breakdown:

• Bangladesh – 1

• China – 2

• India – 2

• Indonesia – 1

• South Korea – 1

• Laos – 1

• Lebanon – 1

• Philippines – 2

• Thailand – 1

• Vietnam – 2

These leaders represent the dynamic faith communities across Asia, and their life-long commitment remains an inspiration for the faithful, especially in rapidly changing societies.

 South Asia (3)

• Bangladesh – 1

Patrick Cardinal D’Rozario, C.S.C., Archbishop Emeritus of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Cardinal-Priest of Nostra Signora del Santissimo Sacramento e Santi Martiri Canadesi, 1 October 1943 (82)

• India – 2

1. George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop Emeritus of Ernakulam-Angamaly (Syro-Malabar), India, Cardinal-Priest of San Bernardo alle Terme, 19 April 1945 (80)

2. Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, India, Cardinal-Priest of San Paolo della Croce a “Corviale”, Member of the Council of Cardinals, 24 December 1944 (81)

• Sri Lanka – No non-elector listed, but included here for reference
   

 Southeast Asia (7)

• Indonesia – 1

Julius Riyadi Cardinal Darmaatmadja, S.J, Archbishop Emeritus of Jakarta, Indonesia, Cardinal-Priest of Sacro Cuore di Maria, 20 December 1934 (91)

• Laos – 1

Louis-Marie Ling Cardinal Mangkhanekhoun, I.V.Dei, Vicar Apostolic Emeritus of Vientiane, Laos, Cardinal-Priest of San Silvestro in Capite, Apostolic Administrator of Luang Prabang, 8 April 1944 (81)

• Philippines – 2

1. Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop Emeritus of Manila, Philippines, Cardinal-Priest of Santissimo Nome di Maria in Via Latina, 10 August 1932 (93)

2. Orlando Beltran Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I., Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato, Philippines, Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria “Regina Mundi” a Torre Spaccata, 11 March 1939 (86)

• Thailand – 1

Michael Michai Cardinal Kitbunchu, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok, Thailand, Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, 25 January 1929 (96)

• Vietnam – 2

1. Jean-Baptiste Cardinal Phạm Minh Mẫn, Archbishop Emeritus of Thành-Phô Hồ Chí Minh (Hôchiminh Ville), Viet Nam, Cardinal-Priest of San Giustino, 5 March 1934 (91)

2. Pierre Cardinal Nguyễn Văn Nhơn, Archbishop Emeritus of Hà Nội, Viet Nam, Cardinal-Priest of San Tommaso Apostolo, 1 April 1938 (87)

Myanmar, Malaysia, East Timor, Singapore – Electors only, no non-electors
 

 East Asia (3)

• China – 2
  1. Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, S.D.B., Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong [Xianggang], China, Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria Madre del Redentore a Tor Bella Monaca, 13 January 1932 (93)

       2. John Cardinal Tong Hon, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong [Xianggang], China, Cardinal-Priest of Regina Apostolorum, 31               July 1939 (86)

• South Korea – 1
  Andrew Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul, Korea (South), Cardinal-Priest of San Crisogono, 5 December 1943 (82)

Japan, Mongolia – Electors only
 

Western Asia (Middle East) (1)

• Lebanon – 1

Béchara Boutros Cardinal Raï, O.M.M., Patriarch of Antiochia {Antioch} (Maronite), Lebanon, Bishop of Joubbé, Sarba e Jounieh (Maronite), 25 February 1940 (85)

• Other West Asian countries with Cardinals (e.g., Iraq, Iran, Israel/Jerusalem) – Electors only
   

Non-Elector Cardinals from Other Continents

Europe has the highest number of non-electors, totaling 61, representing countries such as Italy (34), Spain (8), France (3), and others.

North America follows with 12 non-electors, including senior cardinals from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. South America has 15 non-electors, with notable contributions from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Africa is represented by 11 non-elector cardinals from nations like Nigeria, South Africa, and Mali, among others. Central America counts 4 non-electors, from countries such as the Dominican Republic and Panama. Oceania currently has no non-elector cardinals.

A Continuing Witness

Though no longer voting in papal elections, these non-elector cardinals continue to be pillars of faith, offering their prayers, experiences, and guidance to the Church. Their voices carry the wisdom of decades of pastoral leadership, theological reflection, and missionary zeal.

Their ongoing witness reminds us that leadership in the Church is not only about elections and decision-making but also about faithful living, spiritual accompaniment, and service to the people of God.