College of Cardinals

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/college-of-cardinals

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the total cardinals (as of november 8, 2025)?245 individuals
2. What is the number of conclave electors?126 cardinals eligible to vote
3. How do cardinals choose a new Pope?When the Pope dies, eligible cardinals gather in a secret meeting called a conclave, pray, and vote until one gets two‑thirds of the votes.
4. Who can be a cardinal?Cardinals are chosen by the Pope, must be under 80 when a new Pope is needed, and usually lead big churches or work in the Vatican’s administration.

College of Cardinals: The body of cardinals of the Catholic Church, serving as principal advisors to the Pope and electors of his successor.
Conclave: A secret and solemn assembly of cardinals convened to elect a new Pope, characterized by strict seclusion.
Roman Curia: The complex of dicasteries, offices, and tribunals through which the Pope exercises his pastoral office for the universal Church.
Holy See: The jurisdiction of the Pope, comprising the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State.