By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has announced that Peter Cardinal Okpaleke is the only Nigerian eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave.
The CBCN clarified in a statement posted on their official Facebook page that Okpaleke, aged 62, is the only Nigerian cardinal who meets the Church’s age requirement for participating in the election of a new pope.
As CBCN explained: “His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke (62) is the only Nigerian Catholic cardinal… eligible to participate in a papal conclave, being under 80 years of age.”
The three other Nigerian cardinals; Francis Cardinal Arinze (92), Anthony Cardinal Okogie (88), and Cardinal John Onaiyekan (81)—are disqualified due to their age, as cardinals over 80 are no longer allowed to vote in the conclave.
The CBCN further elaborated on the rationale behind the age limit, stating:
“The Church excuses them from voting out of concern for the Cardinals themselves. Selecting the Supreme Pontiff can be a great burden of responsibility, especially when one is advanced in age.”
While they cannot vote, cardinals over 80 are still an integral part of the conclave process. CBCN explained:
“These Cardinals instead take the role of supporting the electors by helping to lead the people of God in prayer during the election.”
The Church emphasizes that elderly cardinals are not excluded from participation entirely.
They may still attend preparatory meetings and guide the faithful through prayer, as their spiritual leadership remains vital during this time of transition. As CBCN put it:
“During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, and especially during the election of the Supreme Pontiff, they should lead the People of God assembled in the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome and in other churches worldwide, supporting the work of the electors with fervent prayers.”
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