All roads lead to Rome for cardinals around the world

With Pope Francis' passing on April 21, 2025, all cardinals are summoned to Rome, and the Catholic Church, one of the oldest and largest religious institutions with up to 1.39 billion members, prepares for a conclave to elect his successor.

The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, has summoned all cardinals around the world, whether electors or not, to the general congregations. These meetings evaluate the Church's status and prepare for the conclave, whose date is undecided.

There are currently more than 240 cardinals worldwide. The upcoming conclave will convene 138 eligible cardinals (only those under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in a conclave), as many as 110 appointed by Pope Francis, potentially influencing the direction of the Church's future leadership.

Currently the College of Cardinals is significantly more diverse than previous electors. They represent Asia, Africa, and Latin America, reflecting Francis’ goal of mirroring the Church’s global reach. The youngest cardinal is only 45 years old, a Ukrainian clergyman based in Australia.

English translation of the letter:

"Your Eminence,

As has been officially announced, His Holiness Pope Francis entered into eternal life this morning at 7:45 a.m.

In accordance with no. 19 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, I formally conven the Cardinal electors to the General Congregations of the College of Cardinals, scheduled during the vacancy of the Apostolic See and in preparation for the Conclave.

The first meeting will take place tomorrow morning at 9:00 in the Synod Hall.

I invite Cardinals over 80 to join the preparatory General Congregations, but they are free to attend or not, as stated in n. 7 of the Apostolic Constitution.

With a heavy heart, I send fraternal greetings."