In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, a notable figure among the electors for the next pontiff is Cardinal Mykola Bychok, a 45-year-old Australian. Born in Ternopil, Ukraine, Bychok was appointed cardinal by Francis last year and serves as the sole cardinal from Australia, making him the youngest in the global Catholic community.
The conclave, a historic event steeped in tradition, will see cardinals take sacred oaths as they choose a successor. Only cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote, with a maximum of 120 allowed. Bychok expressed deep respect for Pope Francis, labelling him a “pope of peace” who consistently championed justice, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He commended the late pontiff’s relentless appeals for peace and the Church’s diplomatic efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by conflict. Bychok praised Francis as a protector of life, emphasising his dedication to bridging divides between diverse faiths and cultures by focusing on commonalities rather than differences.
Before becoming a cardinal, Bychok made his lifelong vows in 2003, was ordained as a priest in 2005, and held various roles, including abbot of a Ukrainian monastery and parish priest in the United States. In January 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Saints Peter and Paul in Melbourne, representing the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia. He received his cardinal hat in October 2022 alongside 21 other church leaders.
Currently, Bychok is on a pilgrimage in the Middle East but is expected to travel to Rome swiftly. As of now, there are 136 cardinals eligible to participate in the conclave. Those above 80 cannot vote but can engage in preparatory meetings that discuss church issues.
The election process itself involves a meticulous procedure, from casting ballots to the dramatic signalling of a new pope with white or black smoke emanating from the Sistine Chapel chimney. This age-old tradition is fundamental to the global Catholic Church, which serves over 1.3 billion followers.