Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, left, speaks to media, flanked by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Chicago archbishop, right, during a four-day sex abuse summit called by Pope Francis, in Rome, on Feb. 22, 2019. (RNS photo/Jack Jenkins)

Of the 135 electors, more than 100, or nearly three-quarters, of the members of the college were appointed by Pope Francis, the man whose successor they will choose. Pope Benedict XVI named nearly two dozen of the cardinal-electors expected at this conclave, while St. John Paul II named five.

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.