As the College of Cardinals gathers for the papal conclave starting May 7, a handful of remarkably young cardinals from around the world — from the steppes of Mongolia to the shores of Australia — will be among those casting a historic vote.
Out of the 135 cardinals eligible to participate, 15 are under the age of 60, a notable presence in a body traditionally dominated by older members. In fact, history recalls Cardinal Alfonso Gesualdo di Conza, who attended the 1565–1566 conclave at just 25 years old. More recently, at the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal stood out as the youngest elector at 53 — a mark now matched or surpassed by several cardinals in the upcoming gathering.
The five youngest cardinals leading this youthful wave represent dioceses across Australia, Mongolia, Portugal, and Canada, as well as an office in the Roman Curia. Two hail from Eastern Catholic traditions, and three were created cardinals during the most recent consistory.
Cardinal Mykola Bychok, 45
Born February 13, 1980, in Ternopil, Ukraine, Cardinal Bychok felt a call to the priesthood at just 15. Joining the Redemptorists in 1997, his journey has taken him from missionary work in Russia to parish life in New Jersey. In January 2020, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul in Melbourne. Since his episcopal ordination in June 2020, Bychok has worked to build community among Australia's Ukrainian diaspora and invigorate youth engagement. Elevated to the College of Cardinals on December 7, 2024, he is now the youngest cardinal in the world.
Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, 50
A Consolata missionary, Cardinal Marengo was born on June 7, 1974, in Cuneo, Italy. Since 2003, he has served in Mongolia, a country few Catholic missionaries have reached. Appointed apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar in 2020 and made a cardinal in August 2022, Marengo welcomed Pope Francis to Mongolia in 2023 — the first-ever papal visit there. Fluent in Mongolian, Italian, and English, Marengo brings a truly global sensibility to the College.
Cardinal Américo Manuel Aguiar Alves, 51
Born December 12, 1973, Cardinal Aguiar began his public life in politics before answering a call to the priesthood. After his ordination in 2001, he took on key leadership roles in the Diocese of Porto and later became auxiliary bishop of Lisbon. His high-profile stewardship of the 2023 World Youth Day, which drew over 1.5 million pilgrims, cemented his reputation as a dynamic Church leader.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51
Born August 11, 1973, in Kerala, India, Cardinal Koovakad’s career has been shaped by his work in Vatican diplomacy. Serving in missions across Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela, he returned to Rome in 2020 to help coordinate papal travels. His background in international affairs and the Syro-Malabar tradition adds a unique dimension to the conclave’s diversity.
Cardinal Francis Leo, 53
Born June 30, 1971, in Montreal to Italian immigrant parents, Cardinal Leo currently shepherds the Archdiocese of Toronto, one of North America's largest Catholic communities. Ordained in 1996, Leo pursued advanced theological studies, specializing in Mariology. He served as secretary-general of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops before being appointed Toronto’s archbishop in 2023.