The conclave that begins on Wednesday is the most diverse in history, with cardinals who come from all over the world to choose the next Pope.

Cardinal voters pray in the Sistine Chapel as the conclave to choose a new Pope begins in the Vatican, on May 7, 2025.
Vatican Media/EPA-EFE/Shuttersock
Most cardinals come from Europe, including 17 voters from Italy, five from Spain and five from France.
There are 16 cardinal electors from North America, including 10 of the United States. In addition, there are four from Central America, 17 from South America, 18 from Africa, 23 of Asia and four from Oceania.
Argentina, the country of origin of Pope Francis, has four cardinal voters.