CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cardinals from around the world are arriving in Rome to gather for Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.

These cardinals will gather following the service to decide who the next pope will be in a process called the conclave. 

So, who are these cardinals? And are any from North Carolina or South Carolina? There are 252 cardinals, but just 135 are eligible to vote. To vote, cardinals must be less than 80 years old. 

The voting members, known as cardinal electors, are part of the college of cardinals. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, they are a group comprised of bishops and Vatican officials that make up the church’s most senior officials. They will be tasked with voting for a new pope.

According to the Holy See, 71 countries have elector cardinals. There are 17 American cardinals, but only 10 are eligible to vote. None are from either North Carolina or South Carolina. 

The youngest elector from the U.S. is 69 years old. 

The cardinals vote by secret ballot. The results are counted aloud and recorded by three cardinals designated as recorders. 

A candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote. If no one receives the necessary two-thirds of the vote, the ballots are burned in a stove near the chapel. Combined with a mixture of chemicals, this produces black smoke, which is visible to crowds gathered at the Vatican. 

Once a new pope is chosen, white smoke will emerge from the Sistine Chapel, letting the world know that a decision has been made. The visuals of this smoke are often televised to Catholics worldwide. 

Contact Meghan Bragg at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.