Overview

• The Vatican has confirmed 133 cardinal electors for the May 7 conclave, with two absent due to health issues and one voting remotely from Casa Santa Marta.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin remains the leading candidate, though health rumors and factional critiques have surfaced ahead of the election.
• The College of Cardinals has expressed appreciation for Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s withdrawal, urging a definitive judicial resolution to his legal case.
• The Vatican’s €70 million financial deficit and ongoing reforms have been highlighted as critical issues for the next pope to address.
• Bookmakers identify Parolin, Tagle, Turkson, and Zuppi as frontrunners, reflecting a mix of traditionalist and reformist support among electors.