Italy Maintains Top Representation in Conclave Despite Historic Low in Cardinal Numbers

Vatican City, May 6, 2025 — In the upcoming papal conclave, Italy, while recording its lowest number of participating cardinals in history, remains the country with the highest representation. Due to be held from tomorrow, May 7, the 76th conclave of the Catholic Church shall see 17 Italian cardinals—down from 28 in 2013—gather in Vatican City, where the election process will unfold in the Sistine Chapel under traditional secrecy.

Although the number of Italian cardinal electors has nearly halved since the 2013 conclave, Italy's influence remains strong due to both its continued numerical presence and the strategic positions Italians hold within the Roman Curia. Eight Italians currently serve in the Curia, including two prefects — one for the Causes of Saints and another for the Oriental Churches. Other notable figures include Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the Major Penitentiary, whose role continues even during the Sede Vacante, and Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the grand master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

In the last consistory, Pope Francis appointed four new Italian cardinals with diverse pastoral and administrative backgrounds. These include the head of the Vatican's migrants office, the new vicar of the Diocese of Rome, and the archbishops of Turin and Naples.

Among potential papal candidates, three Italian names dominate the speculation. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, is widely regarded as the top contender. A seasoned diplomat with extensive knowledge of the Curia, Parolin is admired for his moderate and conciliatory approach, although he lacks significant pastoral experience.

The second favourite is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna. Zuppi has garnered attention for his focus on social issues and his diplomatic role in the Ukraine peace mission as a papal envoy. His combination of pastoral sensitivity and diplomatic acumen has made him a strong candidate.

The third notable Italian contender is Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Though technically not considered Italian by the Holy See due to his role in Jerusalem, Pizzaballa has played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue with Jewish and Muslim communities and has demonstrated strong leadership throughout the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly during the recent escalation in Gaza.

Additionally, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, one of the youngest cardinals at the conclave tomorrow, is worth noting. While he is Italian by nationality, Marengo serves as a missionary in Mongolia, a country that will be represented in the conclave for the first time by a cardinal.

Despite the decline in Italian cardinals, Italy’s continued influence within the Vatican and the conclave remains undeniable.

Source: Rome Reports