Tag Archives: 70 limit

Should The 80-Year Cut-Off For Cardinal Electors Be Revised Upwards To 85?

5 Replies

by Anura Guruge
on June 25, 2022

Click to ENLARGE & read here. From ‘Francis Turns 85’ post in December 2021.

Paul VI (1963 — 1978) introduced the 80-year aging out rule for cardinals in 1970 — to take effect as of January 1, 1971. It was a totally arbitrary move & it was well recognized, from the start, as being a blatant move by the (sometimes canny) pope to exclude traditionalist cardinals from the next conclave — to increase the chances that another ‘liberal’ would be elected.

In 1970 there had been NO pope who have lived beyond 85-years in 67-years. So, 80 looked like a decent retirement age for cardinals.

However, since 1970, we have had 3 popes IN A ROW who have reigned after turning 84. The last two popes were still popes when they turned 85.

So, cardinals must retire (due to their perceived aging) at 80, but popes can breeze on past 85? That seems unfair.

Starting with John XXIII, in 1958, popes have claimed that the Church must keep up with modern times & trends.

That was John XXIII’s rationale for exceeding the prior 70 max limit for the College of Cardinals. There were more Catholics around the world & as such there should be more cardinals to represent them.

Well, since 1970 longevity, especially among the pampered prelates, have increased. More and more are living well into their 80s. How many over 90s have we seen of late. So, isn’t it time the 80 year cutoff was reexamined — especially now as the current pope inches towards his 86th birthday?

IF The 120 Elector Limit Is Overridden Without A Pope Francis Edict, Can Over-80 Cardinals Revolt?

6 Replies

by Anura Guruge
on June 23, 2022

Click to ENLARGE & read here. From John Paul II’s UDG, the PREVAILING LAW.
Click image to access this pivotal post from 12-days ago.

So the issue here is what would happen IF there were to be a conclave with over 120 electors on deck AND Pope Francis had NOT overridden the 120 MAX limit with an edict.

The growing consensus, that I have reluctantly come to agree with, is that ALL the cardinal electors WILL be PERMITTED to participate in the conclave IRRESPECTIVE of the 120 limit stated by THE LAW. OK. This now seems to be a given.

But have a look at Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG) — above.

The 120 max limit & the 80-year cut-off for attendance are BOTH stated in the same clause, i.e., #33.

So, what folks are saying is that the 120 limit part of clause #33 can be (casually) overridden. OK?

Then what about the over-80 restriction?

In the same clause. We override one part not the other?

I am pretty certain that some cardinals, in particular those over 80, will question that!

That really would put a cat among the pigeons.

Letting ALL of Francis’ appointees attend, irrespective of the 120-limit, strengthens the chance that the Next Pope will have pro-Francis sentiments.

But, if ALL the over 80s are allowed to attend, the Francis camp will be overrun!

The supreme irony.

Canny Paul VI instituted the over-80 rule to make sure that HIS SUCCESSOR will be like him.

Now the converse can happen.

What FUN?

Think about it.

Major Reconsideration. Pope Francis Can Override The 120 Elector Limit At Will Per John XXIII Precedent!

9 Replies

by Anura Guruge
on June 11, 2022

Click to ENLARGE & read here. From page 96 of my ‘The Conclave‘ book.
Click to ENLARGE & read here. From page 153 of my ‘The Conclave‘ book.

I have been very adamant for a very long time that no more than 120 electors will be able to participate in a conclave without a new edict from the pope overriding Paul VI’s 1973 edict and the prevailing papal constitution, viz. Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG).

After a lot of thinking I have now come to the conclusion that I could have been wrong!

Why?

John XXIII, in 1958, did NOT issue an edict saying he was overriding Sixtus V longstanding 70 max cardinal limit. He just went ahead and created more than 70. Yes, things were more fluid those days. The prevailing constitution did not mention any limits as to how many cardinals could attend a conclave.

So, on John XXIII’s death, in 1963, 80 cardinals participated in the conclave. That was 10 above Sixtus V’s 70 limit.

I think the same can happen now.

The pope has spoken.

If there are more than 120 electors at the next conclave, ALL of them will probably be allowed to attend & vote — irrespective of the 120 limit in UDG!

This is BIG.