These Are the Spanish Cardinals Who Will Be Part of the Conclave to Elect the Pope

Pope Francis Passes Away and the Process to Elect His Successor Begins. The conclave, one of the Vatican's most secretive and important events, once again gathers the cardinals with voting rights.

They will be the ones to decide who will be the new leader of the Catholic Church. In total, 136 clergymen are eligible to vote.

From that group, eight are Spanish. Five serve in Spain. The other three, abroad.

José Cobo Cano

At 59 years old, he is the youngest Spanish cardinal with a vote in this conclave. He was appointed Archbishop of Madrid in 2023. A few months later, he received the cardinal's biretta.

In March 2024, he became vice president of the Episcopal Conference. His profile stands out among the new faces that are marking the generational change in the Church of Spain.

Juan José Omella

He is 79 years old and is one of the most influential figures in Spanish Catholicism. Since 2015, he has been at the head of the Archdiocese of Barcelona. He also presided over the Spanish Episcopal Conference between 2020 and 2024.

He is very close to Francis and is part of the Council of Cardinals, the so-called C-9, a team that directly advises the Pope.

Antonio Cañizares

Also 79 years old, he is the emeritus Archbishop of Valencia. He has a long history within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. He was appointed cardinal by Benedict XVI in 2006.

Twice he was vice president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference. His stance is conservative and represents that sector among the Spanish electors.

Cristóbal López Romero

Born in Almería, he is now the Archbishop of Rabat. He became a cardinal in 2019.

His work in Morocco and his experience in dialogue with other religions have made him stand out internationally. His presence reflects the global reach of the Spanish Church.

Carlos Osoro

He was Archbishop of Madrid from 2014 to 2023. In 2016, he received the title of cardinal from Francis.

During his pastoral work, he advocated for a Church closer to the people and open to dialogue. That vision could carry weight in the conclave's decisions.

François-Xavier Bustillo

Originally from Navarre, he carries out his pastoral work in France, as Bishop of Ajaccio, in Corsica. The Pope appointed him cardinal in 2023. His participation in this conclave is an example of the varied trajectories of Spanish cardinals in recent times.

Ángel Fernández Artime

He is 64 years old and in 2025 will be pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life. He was made a cardinal by Francis, with whom he coincided in Buenos Aires. His connection with the Roman Curia gives him a more universal projection in this election.

Celestino Aós

Originally from Navarre, he was Archbishop of Santiago de Chile until 2023. Although he doesn't reside in Spain, he is a significant Hispanic voice in Latin America. His contribution adds cultural and pastoral diversity to the process.

This conclave will be one of the most diverse in recent history. Although Europe keeps its weight, voices from America, Asia, and Africa will also be heard. The eight Spanish cardinals, with different profiles, have the same mission: to help elect the next Pope who will lead the Church in the stage that follows Francis.