Meet the 3 African Cardinals, 10 others losing papal election right this year

Thirteen Cardinals, including three Africans are expected to leave the College of Cardinal electors this year.

This is because the thirteen were born in the year 1944 and will reach the retirement age of 80 years in 2024.

Unless a member of the College of Cardinals passes away or is specifically excluded by the pope, the count of cardinals who forfeit their voting rights in a conclave will be 13.

The basis for losing this right is reaching the age of 80. Since 1970, only cardinals below the age of 80 have been eligible to participate in the papal election process.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja (Nigeria)

Cardinal John Onaiyekan is a respected theologian and peacemaker in Nigeria.  Cardinal Onaiyekan has played a crucial role in promoting dialogue and peace in Nigeria, a country marked by ethnic conflicts and kidnappings. He was awarded the international Pax Christi prize in 2012.

Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru):

A Jesuit cardinal, Barreto is known for his advocacy for the Amazon and family values. He was a key figure at the 2019 Synod on the Amazon, focusing on environmental issues and indigenous populations.Originally from Spain, Cardinal Lacunza has worked in Panama since 1985, advocating for indigenous populations against mining companies. He became the first cardinal from Panama in 2015.

Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán, Bishop of David (Panama)

José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán, originally from Pamplona, Spain, embraced the Order of Augustinian Recollects and was subsequently dispatched to Panama. Designated as Auxiliary Bishop of Panama by John Paul II in 1985, he later acquired Panamanian citizenship. His commitment to advocating for indigenous communities became evident when he was appointed Bishop of Chitré and later of David in 1999.

Cardinal Maestrojuán distinguished himself by tirelessly defending these communities against mining companies attempting to seize their land. In 2015, Pope Francis elevated him to the cardinalate, marking the first cardinal from the small Central American nation. Four years hence, Cardinal Maestrojuán enthusiastically hosted Pope Francis during World Youth Day in Panama, an event for which he had fervently prepared.

Cardinal Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate of Vientiane (Laos):

The first and only cardinal from Laos, Ling Mangkhanekhoun faced challenges under a Communist regime but continued his mission. He was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2017.

Cardinal Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (Spanish)   

A renowned theologian, Cardinal Ladaria served as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, succeeding Cardinal Müller in 2017.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Bishops (Canadian)

Cardinal Ouellet, an influential prelate, worked closely with both Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. He defended conservative positions and resigned in 2023 upon reaching retirement age.

Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston (USA) and President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors

Cardinal O’Malley is a prominent figure in the Church’s fight against abuse. He played a crucial role in addressing the sexual abuse crisis in Boston.

Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

A leading figure in the Catholic Church in Africa, Cardinal Pengo has long denounced issues like corruption and violence in Tanzania. He became a cardinal in 1998.

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, Major Penitentiary (Italy)

Cardinal Piacenza, known for his influence in the Holy See, served as head of the Congregation for the Clergy and later as Major Penitentiary, overseeing matters related to individuals’ conscience and intimacy with God.

Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, Archbishop Emeritus of Bordeaux (France)

Cardinal Ricard faced an abuse scandal revealed in 2022, leading to his suspension from public ministry. His future status as a cardinal elector is yet to be determined.

Cardinal Baltazar Porras Cardozo, Archbishop of Caracas (Venezuela)

A political figure in Venezuela, Cardinal Porras Cardozo opposed Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. He became a cardinal in 2016 and was appointed Archbishop of Caracas in 2023.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay (India)

Cardinal Gracias is a leading figure in the Catholic Church in Asia, known for his support of decentralization and opening the priesthood to married men in certain regions.

Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi (Kenya)

A significant figure in the Catholic Church in Africa, Cardinal Njue faced challenges such as the 2015 attack on Garissa University College. He emphasized the autonomy of African Catholics in leading their Church.