Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, left, speaks to media, flanked by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Chicago archbishop, right, during a four-day sex abuse summit called by Pope Francis, in Rome, on Feb. 22, 2019. (RNS photo/Jack Jenkins)

Pope Francis chose 149 of the current members of the college, most of whom will help choose his successor as cardinal electors. Though cardinals over the age of 80 cannot vote in the conclave, they do participate in pre-conclave meetings, called general congregations, and can still have an influence over who is chosen.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, has spent the bulk of his career outside the United States. Supporters say he represents a “dignified middle of the road.”