As the Conclave convenes on 7 May, the global face of the Catholic Church will be more visible than ever before. Marking a significant departure from its traditionally European dominance, this assembly of 135 Cardinal electors reflects a papacy that has sought to decentralize and diversify. Over 80% (108) of these electors were appointed by Pope Francis, whose 12-year tenure reshaped the College of Cardinals with a deliberate focus on the Global South and Church “peripheries.”

The Cardinal electors now represent 71 nations across five continents, with 12 countries seeing native representation for the first time in a papal Conclave. These include nations such as Haiti, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Timor Leste, and South Sudan, among others.

Despite this broadened diversity, Europe still holds sway, with 53 electors, including 19 Italians, making it the single most represented nationality. Following closely are France (6) and Spain (5). However, the global shift is unmistakable:

Americas: 37 (16 from North, 4 from Central, 17 from South America)
Asia: 23
Africa: 18
Oceania: 4

This means that, collectively, non-European Cardinals now outnumber their European counterparts, positioning this Conclave as the most globally representative in Church history.

Of the electors, 22 were appointed by Benedict XVI and 5 by Saint John Paul II, including long-serving figures like Cardinal Philippe Barbarin (France) and Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana). These veterans lend continuity to a body that now includes a spectrum of younger and more culturally diverse voices.

The youngest elector, Mikola Bychok from Australia (born 1979), stands in contrast to Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain, the eldest at 79. Notably, six electors were born in the 1970s, including Cardinals from India, Portugal, and Mongolia, the latter being represented for the first time in a papal vote.

A remarkable 33 Cardinals belong to 18 different religious orders, reflecting the spiritual variety within the Church. The Salesians lead with five members, followed by the Franciscans and Jesuits. Other orders such as the Dominicans, Divine Word Missionaries, Claretian Missionaries, and the Spiritans also have representation, offering a broad theological and pastoral spectrum.

Due to health reasons, two Cardinals will not attend, reducing the voting body to 133. While this slightly alters the count, it does not significantly affect the global dynamic that Pope Francis has cultivated.

This Conclave will be more than a vote—it will be a mirror of the evolving Catholic Church. While regional representation won't solely determine the next Pontiff, the shift toward inclusivity and global presence is undeniable. The outcome will not only influence doctrine and direction but also affirm whether the Church’s heart now truly beats from the margins.