African cardinals become younger through Vatican legal fiction ahead of conclave

Published May 6, 2025 6:19pm ET



Two cardinals of the Catholic Church from Africa were rejuvenated below the age of 80 this week, allowing them to vote in the upcoming conclave.

It wasn’t the kind of miraculous event referred to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, but an efficient bit of legal fiction embraced by the Pontifical Yearbook.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.