Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo from Burkina Faso may be excluded from the upcoming papal conclave due to uncertainty surrounding his age. The cardinal's birthdate is disputed, with some sources listing it as January 4, 1945, and others as December 31, 1945.
*The Age Factor*
According to Vatican rules, cardinals over 80 years old are not eligible to participate in the conclave. If Ouédraogo's birthdate is indeed January 4, 1945, he would be 80 years old and ineligible to vote. However, if his birthdate is December 31, 1945, he would be 79 years old and eligible to participate.
*Cardinal's Explanation*
The cardinal attributes the confusion to his rural upbringing in Burkina Faso, where he was born at home without a formal birthdate. This explanation has raised eyebrows, with some questioning the sudden change in his listed birthdate in the official Vatican directory.
*Implications for the Conclave*
The controversy surrounding Ouédraogo's age highlights the complexities and nuances of the papal conclave process. As the Catholic Church gathers to elect a new pope, the eligibility of its cardinal electors will be under scrutiny.
*Key Details:*
- *Disputed Birthdate*: January 4, 1945, or December 31, 1945
- *Age Limit*: Cardinals over 80 years old are not eligible to participate in the conclave
- *Conclave Start Date*: May 7, 2025
*Related News*
The papal conclave will not only focus on electing a new pope but also navigating pressing issues, including ideological differences within the Church. Some cardinals, like German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, have expressed concerns about liberal pressures and the need for the Church to stand firm on doctrine ¹.
