Representing a little over 4% of the globe’s Catholics but nearly 8% of those who will participate in the papal conclave, the 10 American cardinals in Rome this week already have outsized numerical influence in choosing the next pope.

Pope Francis chose 149 of the current members of the college, most of whom will help choose his successor as cardinal electors. Though cardinals over the age of 80 cannot vote in the conclave, they do participate in pre-conclave meetings, called general congregations, and can still have an influence over who is chosen.

- Cardinals attend a Mass presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on the second of nine days of mourning for Pope Francis on Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru,