The group of cardinal electors loses another member today with the 80th birthday of German Cardinal Karl Lehmann, who thus loses his right to vote. Only 114 cardinals can vote now in an eventual conclave.
With an intense academic life behind him, Lehmann also ceases to be bishop of Mainz, Germany, a position he held since 1983, after the Pope accepted his resignation. He has been a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and president of the Episcopal Conference of Germany.
In 2001, John Paul II appointed him cardinal. Since then, he has already participated in conclaves to elect Benedict and Francis.
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