Pope John Paul has now appointed 166 cardinals, more than any other pope in history. Of that number 161 are living. Currently there are 185 cardinals altogether, with 135 under 80 years and so eligible to vote at the next conclave (papal election). Pope John Paul has appointed all but 10 of that 135.
Since he became Pope the College of Cardinals (those who may vote in a conclave), where the average age is 71.4, has become less Italian and more eastern European and Latin American. It also has more members of the Curia. When he was elected in 1978, 24 per cent of the College of Cardinals was Italian, now it is 18 per cent. Meanwhile, the percentage from eastern Europe has grown from 6 per cent in 1978 to 11 per cent today.
Europeans cardinals make up 48 per cent, down from 50 per cent in 1978. Latin America's percentage has gone up from 17 per cent in 1978 to 20 per cent now. The percentage from Asia has also gone up one percentage point, from 9 per cent to 10 per cent, while the African contingent has gone down to 9.6, from 10.5 per cent in 1978.
Third World cardinals comprise 41 per cent of today's College, up from 38 per cent in 1978. The combined US and Canadian contingent has also gone down, from 10.5 per cent in 1978 to 9.6 per cent today.
And Vatican officials made up 27 per cent of the College in 1978. They are now 30 per cent.
For four centuries the College of Cardinals had a maximum of 70 members. Pope John XXIII abolished this limit in 1958. When Paul VI reformed the College in 1970 he limited its size to 120 under the age of 80. There is no limit on the number of cardinals who may be over 80. Before 1970 a cardinal lost his vote only on death.