What countries do the cardinals who will elect the new pope come from? [Map]

Following the death of Pope Francis, the new successor to St. Peter will be chosen by cardinal electors, those who have not reached the age of 80 at the start of the conclave. Based on the current composition of the College of Cardinals, their geographical origins can be analyzed, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church under Francis’s pontificate.

Which countries do the cardinals who will elect the new pope come from? [Map] Countries of origin of cardinal electors (as of April 2025)

Currently, the College of Cardinals includes 135 cardinal electors, though this number may change due to some reaching the age limit. From the beginning of his pontificate, Francis has sought to increase representation from previously marginalized regions, such as Africa, Asia, and Oceania, at the expense of the traditional dominance of Europe, particularly Italy.

Geographical distribution of cardinal electors:

• Europe: Still the largest group, with nearly 60 electors. Italians, despite fewer new appointments, maintain significant representation (around 17 cardinals). Among the European cardinals are four Poles, including two appointed by Francis: the papal almoner Konrad Krajewski and the Archbishop of Łódź, Grzegorz Ryś. Cardinals appointed by Benedict XVI include Stanisław Ryłko and the retired Archbishop of Warsaw, Kazimierz Nycz.
• Latin America: A continent close to Francis, it accounts for about 20-25% of electors, with Brazil (7), Argentina (4), and Mexico (2) having the most representation.
• Africa: Under Francis’s pontificate, its importance has grown, with about 10-15% of electors coming from countries such as Ivory Coast, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Senegal.
• Asia and Oceania: Though less numerous, these regions are increasingly well-represented (around 10-15%). Cardinals from India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia play significant roles.
• North America: The United States (10) and Canada (4) have the most representation.

Francis has appointed cardinals from dozens of different countries, including remote places like Tonga, Haiti, and Cape Verde. Notably, 23 electors represent countries that previously had no cardinals. This suggests the possibility of electing a non-European pope, though the dynamics of the conclave remain difficult to predict.