There were 135 cardinal electors eligible to participate in the 2025 papal conclave, but only 133 actually attended and voted in the conclave

. The rule set by Pope Paul VI in 1975 limits the number of cardinal electors to 120, but this limit has been exceeded in recent decades by several popes, including Pope Francis, who created up to 140 electors by December 2024

. In summary:

• Total cardinals at the time: 252
• Eligible cardinal electors (under 80 years old): 135
• Cardinal electors who participated in the conclave: 133
• Required votes to elect a pope (two-thirds majority): 89

This conclave was notable for being the first with more than 120 cardinal electors participating