Cardinals under 80, known as cardinal-electors, can enter a secret conclave to choose a new pope from their own ranks after Francis dies or resigns. The new cardinal-electors come from Italy, the Central African Republic, Spain, the United States, Brazil, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Belgium, Mauritius, Mexico and Papua New Guinea. It was believed to be the first time in recent history a Vatican ambassador, known as a nuncio, would have the rank of cardinal. With the current batch, Francis has named 44 cardinal-electors, slightly more than two thirds of the total of 120 allowed by Church law. In addition to Simoni, the Albanian priest, the other three cardinals over 80 come from Malaysia, Italy and Lesotho.

Source: New Strait Times October 09, 2016 13:30 UTC