25 July 2018

Cardinal Electors and Modern Limits

First a bit of background information before we get to the periods were there was more than 120 Cardinal Electors.

The age limit on electors became effective on 1 Jan 1971 (Ingravescentem Aetatem). The limit of 120 electors was added on 1 Oct 1975 (Romano Pontifici Eligendo). The current rule (cardinals age 80 or less on the day the Holy See becomes vacant may vote) was added on 22 Feb 1996 (Universi Dominici Gregis).

Before the 1996 language, it is not possible to precisely say the number of cardinal electors (it was based on when the conclave began), so I'll disregard the 2 times before then when the number could have been 121 for short periods.

Since then, there have been 10 times when the 120 number was exceeded.

Start End Highest Days PopeNote
21-Feb-2001 1-Aug-2002 136 526 JP2
21-Oct-2003 12-Dec-2004 134 418 JP21
21-Oct-2003 10-Jan-2005 135 447 JP22
24-Mar-2006 25-Mar-2006 121 1 B16
20-Nov-2010 27-Jan-2011 121 68 B16
18-Feb-2012 27-Jul-2012 125 160 B16
22-Feb-2014 12-Mar-2014 122 18 F
14-Feb-2015 20-Apr-2015 125 65 F
19-Nov-2016 29-Nov-2016 121 10 F
28-Jun-2017 6-Sep-2017 121 70 F
28-Jun-2018 28-Apr-2019 125 304 F3

There are two entries beginning in 2003 due to Cardinal Gulbinowicz. At the time it was thought that his birth year was 1928 (age out in 2008), but in reality it was 1923 (age out in 2003 just before the consistory). The correct birth year was not acknowledged until February 2005.
1) in reality
2) as perceived at the time
3) the final period is an estimate that assumes no cardinal elector dies and no new ones are created before the end date.

For completeness, here are the other times when the 120 limit was exceeded with some notes.

Start End Highest Days Pope Note
28-Apr-1968 1-Jan-1971 134 978 P6 1
30-Jun-1979 1-Jul-1979 121 1 JP2 2
28-Jun-1988 27-Jul-1988 121 29 JP2 2

1) This was before the age limit and the 120 cardinal elector limit existed.
2) The count and Days are based on the current language. At the time the age limit was more vague and a precise count of electors is not possible.

(Revised on 27 Aug 2018 to add info about Cardinal Gulbinowicz)