Pope Francis announced on October 6, during the Prayer of the Annunciation in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the 21 new cardinals who were to be appointed at the December 8 meeting of the Cardinals. Isao Kikuchi (archbishop of the Diocese of Tokyo) from Japan is the seventh person elected, after Cardinal Manyo Maeda (2018-).
Of the 21 people, 20 are under 80 years old and have the right to vote in papal elections, while Archbishop Angelo Acerbi, who is 99 years old, is the only person over 80 who is not. he voted. By continent/region, 10 were from Europe, 4 from Asia, 1 from Africa, 1 from North America, and 5 from South America.
Following the appointment ceremony on December 8, of the 256 members of the College of Cardinals, 141 are under the age of 80 and have the right to vote in papal elections, while 115 are over 80 and do not have the right to vote this is expected to happen.
The next day, on the 7th, Mr. Kikuchi wrote about his surprise and confusion about what he first learned in the news on his blog “Bishop’s Diary” and said, “It’s not just a post Honor him cardinal, but he works. as an adviser to the Pope.” When I think of the many responsibilities I have to play, I can only feel my shortcomings. English.
He added, “This appointment is not only an honor for me personally, but a great honor for the Church in Japan, and especially for the Diocese of Tokyo. currently serving as president.”“I believe that I have been given a role that I am not capable of. I am at peace with my own inadequacies. I sincerely ask you to continue to support me with your prayers.”
Kikuchi IsaoBorn in 1958 in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture. After being ordained a priest in 1986, he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Niigata in 2004. Archbishop of Tokyo since 2017. He was elected Caritas International President at the 22nd Caritas International General Assembly in 2023.
cardinal(cardinalis) = College of Cardinals, which directly assists the Pope in important matters, and individual cardinals also assist the Pope with daily duties related to the Church in general. Also, the cardinals only have the right to vote for the Pope. In principle, the Pope freely appoints cardinals from among those who have ordained a bishop, and there is no set term of office. (From the official website of the Central Catholic Council)
Archbishop Isao Kikuchi was elected President of Caritas International 18 May 2023
