Cardinal Bertone, former Secretary of State, marks 80th birthday: ineligible for conclave

December 02, 2014

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the former Vatican Secretary of State, celebrated his 80th birthday on December 2 and is no longer eligible to participate in a papal conclave.

Cardinal Bertone retains his post as the camerlengo, the official who performs a key role in the administration of Vatican affairs in the event of a Pope’s death. However he may resign that post, following the example of his predecessor, Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, who stepped down from his post as camerlengo on his 80th birthday in 2007.

Another key role in a papal transition is held by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who presides and preaches at the Pontiff’s funeral. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who preceded Cardinal Bertone as Secretary of State, has not relinquished that position, although he is now 87.

Cardinal Bertone met with Pope Francis in a private audience on December 1; the Vatican did not indicate the subject of their discussion. The cardinal also invited the Pontiff to lunch on his 80th birthday.

With Cardinal Bertone now ineligible to vote in a papal election, there are now 112 electors among the 209 living members of the College of Cardinals.

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone turns 80 (Rome Reports)