The Americas are represented at the upcoming Conclave by 37 cardinal electors from North America, Central America and South America. This significant representation accounts for 27% of the College and reflects the vitality and ecclesial complexity of a continent marked by deeply diverse realities, ranging from structurally institutionalised Churches in North America to missionary communities representing a minority group in Central and South America. Once again, the United States and Brazil are among the countries with the largest number of electors, with cardinals whose pastoral experience is rooted in areas grappling with social, cultural and spiritual challenges. The average age is just under 72.
North America
The Cardinal electors from North America represent a variety of ecclesial profiles, distinguished by experience in pastoral care, academia and the Curia. Canada is represented by four cardinals: Michael Czerny (b. 1946), Jesuit and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; he devoted his live to promoting social justice and the defence of migrants. Thomas Christopher Collins (1947) is the Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto. He led the diocese from 2007 to 2023, focusing particularly on theological education; Gérald Cyprien Lacroix (1957), Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada, is renowned for his missionary and pastoral commitment; Frank Leo (1971), Archbishop of Toronto, served as Secretary General of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. The United States is represented by 10 cardinal electors: Kevin Joseph Farrell (b. 1947), served as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life and former Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church; Wilton Daniel Gregory (b. 1947), Archbishop Emeritus of Washington and the first African American to lead the capital’s archdiocese; Raymond Leo Burke (b. 1948), served as Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura and a leading expert in canon law; Blase J. Cupich (1949), Archbishop of Chicago and engaged in pastoral ministry focused on contemporary societal challenges; Daniel Nicholas DiNardo (1949), Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston and former president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; James Michael Harvey (1949), Archpriest Emeritus of St. Paul’s Basilica Outside the Walls, has served in the Roman Curia for many years; Timothy Michael Dolan (1950), Archbishop of New York, renowned for his communicative dynamism and commitment to defending religious freedom; Joseph William Tobin (1952), Redemptorist Archbishop of Newark, actively involved in religious life and pastoral care of migrants. Robert Walter McElroy (1954), Bishop of San Diego, has shown remarkable concern for issues relating to social justice and ecology; Robert Francis Prevost (1955), former Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, served as a missionary in Peru and as the Bishop of Chiclayo.
The Mexican representatives in the College of Cardinals include two cardinals: Carlos Aguiar Retes (born in 1950), Archbishop of Mexico City, committed to promoting interreligious dialogue and social causes, with a strong devotion for Our Lady of Guadalupe; and Francisco Robles Ortega (1949) Archbishop of Guadalajara, renowned for his dedication to family ministry.
Central America
The cardinals of Central America stand as a testament to the vibrancy of communities that are frequently minorities albeit with deep roots. Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri (1947), bishop of Huehuetenango (Guatemala), is known for his dedication to advocating for human rights and supporting indigenous communities and migrants; Chibly Langlois (1958), bishop of Les Cayes (Haiti), the first cardinal from Haiti, has promoted constructive dialogue in the midst of major social crises. Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez (born 1948), Archbishop of Havana (Cuba), helped to strengthen the Church’s presence on the island. Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano (1949), Archbishop of Managua (Nicaragua), guided his Church through a turbulent political period characterised by attacks on the Church and outright persecution.
South America
The cardinals from South America represent a variety of pastoral, social, and academic backgrounds. Argentina has four cardinal electors: Víctor Manuel Fernández (1962) is a theologian close to Pope Francis and former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Ángel Sixto Rossi (1958), Jesuit, Archbishop of Córdoba, served his ministry among marginalised groups; Mario Aurelio Poli (1947) is the Archbishop Emeritus of Buenos Aires. He succeeded Jorge Mario Bergoglio as head of the archdiocese. Vicente Bokalic Iglic (1952), Bishop of Santiago del Estero, has been actively involved in youth and social ministry.
Brazil is represented by seven cardinals: João Braz de Aviz (b. 1947). He served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, a promoter of dialogue in religious life; Odilo Pedro Scherer (b. 1949), Archbishop of São Paulo. He placed particular focus on formation and social doctrine; Orani João Tempesta (b. 1950), Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro. He organised the 2013 World Youth Day; Leonardo Ulrich Steiner (b. 1950), Archbishop of Manaus, is actively involved in protecting the Amazon rainforest. Sérgio da Rocha (1959), Archbishop of Salvador de Bahia, has served as president of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference and as relator general at the 2017 Synod on Young People; Jaime Spengler (1960) is the Archbishop of Porto Alegre, President of Latin American and Caribbean Bishops’ Council (CELAM) and the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB). His ministry includes the formation of clergy and social ministry. Finally, Paulo Cezar Costa (1967) is the Archbishop of Brasília renowned for his dedication to young people, he places great emphasis on fostering dialogue inside the Church and with civil institutions.
The South American representatives completing the list are: Fernando Natalio Chomalí Garib (born 1957), Archbishop of Santiago, Chile. A promoter of transparency within the Church and an expert in bioethics, he is particularly concerned with social issues and inclusion. Luis José Rueda Aparicio (1962), Archbishop of Bogotá, a leading figure in the Colombian peace and reconciliation process. Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera (1955), Archbishop of Guayaquil, at the helm of the Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference and engaged in dialogue and social initiatives within marginalised communities. Adalberto Martínez Flores (1951), Archbishop of Asunción and first cardinal of Paraguay, is known for his strong pastoral and social commitment to defending the most vulnerable. Carlos Gustavo Castillo Mattasoglio (1950), Archbishop of Lima, capital of Peru, is a renowned theologian who has promoted a synodal Church close to the poor. Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet (1959) is the Archbishop of Montevideo in Uruguay. He promotes a missionary Church that “goes forth” in one of the most secular countries in South America, where Christians are a small minority.
