The number of cardinals who vote for the pope in a conclave is determined by the cardinal electors who are under the age of 80 at the time the papal vacancy occurs. As of May 2025, there are 251 cardinals in total, but only 134 are eligible to vote because cardinals over 80 cannot participate in the conclave
. In the 2025 conclave specifically, 135 cardinals were eligible, but two did not attend, so 133 cardinals actually voted
. To elect a new pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes from the participating cardinal electors. With 133 cardinals voting, this means a minimum of 89 votes is required to be elected pope
. In summary:
- Total cardinals: 251 (as of May 2025)
- Eligible to vote (under 80 years old): 134–135
- Actual voters in 2025 conclave: 133
- Votes needed to elect pope: two-thirds of voters (at least 89 votes)
This voting process is conducted by secret ballot inside the Sistine Chapel during the conclave
