'The Selfie Generation': Meet the 5 Youngest Cardinals Participating in the Papal Conclave

Three of the youngest cardinals participating in the upcoming Conclave shared an unexpected moment of lightheartedness, taking a selfie together inside Saint Peter’s Basilica. 

The viral social media image shows that faith and reverence meet the digital age with authenticity and openness.

Cardinal Americo Manuel, 51, of Portugal; Cardinal Mykola, 45, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic based in Australia; and Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, 50, of Mongolia, were seen smiling for the candid photo beneath the iconic basilica's imposing dome.

Pontifical Mission Societies Vice President Ines San Martin published the photo on X (Formerly Twitter). The photo was taken on the day of Pope Francis' funeral Mass in St. Peter's Square on April 26, 2025.

"Three of the youngest cardinals who will participate in the Conclave: Américo Manuel (51), from Portugal; Cardinal Mykola (45), Ukrainian Greek Catholic cardinal from Australia; and Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, (50), from Mongolia. They took a selfie yesterday in St. Peter's Basilica."

Journalist Jean-Pierre Denis also posted the photo, along with another selfie and the caption: "The first conclave of the selfie generation." 

In the photo, Japanese Cardinal and Archbishop of Tokyo Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi smiles on a bus with several cardinals in the background. The photo was originally posted by the prelate.

The New Generation: The 5 Youngest Cardinals of the Conclave

With the conclave set to begin May 7, the younger generation of cardinals is attracting attention. Of the 135 eligible electors, 15 are under the age of 60.

Cardinal Mykola Bychok, 45 years old

Born in Ternopil, Ukraine, Cardinal Bychok discovered his calling at age 15 and joined the Redemptorists in 1997, serving in Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. 

In 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy in Melbourne. There, he dedicated himself to the Ukrainian diaspora and young people. On December 7, 2024, he was elevated to a cardinal, becoming the youngest cardinal in the world.

Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, 50 years old

Born in 1974 in Cuneo, Cardinal Marengo has been a Consolata missionary in Mongolia since 2003. In 2020, he was appointed Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar. Pope Francis made him a cardinal in 2022 at the age of 48. At the time, he was the youngest member of the College of Cardinals. In 2023, he played a key role in the Pope's historic visit to Mongolia.

Cardinal Américo Manuel Aguiar Alves, 51 years old

Born in 1973, Cardinal Aguiar Alves is the Bishop of Setúbal, Portugal. Ordained a priest in 2001, he held important positions in the Diocese of Porto and then as auxiliary bishop in Lisbon.

There, he gained international prominence by leading the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon, which brought together more than 1.5 million young people. Pope Francis elevated him to a cardinal at the end of 2023.

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51 years old

Cardinal Koovakad, born in 1973 in Kerala, India, is a Syro-Malabar archbishop and a veteran Vatican diplomat. In 2020, he returned to Rome to play a key role in organizing Pope Francis's international travels between 2021 and 2024. On December 7, 2024, he was made a cardinal and subsequently appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

Cardinal Francis Leo, 53 years old

Cardinal Francis "Frank" Leo, born in 1971 in Montreal, Canada, is the Archbishop of Toronto and a renowned theologian specializing in Mariology. 

Ordained a priest in 1996, he has held important positions, including Secretary General of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2015 to 2021. Appointed Archbishop of Toronto in 2023, he now leads one of the largest Catholic communities in Canada. Pope Francis also elevated him to a cardinal in December 2024.

Let us pray for the College of Cardinals, that the Holy Spirit may enlighten them in this important time for the Catholic Church!