College of Cardinals

The College of Cardinals, also called the Sacred College of Cardinals, is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. As of 21 April 2026, there are 243 cardinals, of whom 119 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. Appointed by the pope, cardinals serve for life, but become ineligible to participate in a papal conclave if they turn 80 before a papal vacancy occurs.