Pope Francis expanded the College of Cardinals on Saturday, elevating 21 new members, many of whom play significant roles in his ambitious reform agenda. Among them are a Dominican preacher who served as the spiritual guide for Francis’ recent gathering of bishops, a Neapolitan “street priest” mirroring Francis’ own humble beginnings, and a peruvian bishop known for his staunch support of the Papa’s crackdown on abuse.
This grand ceremony, Francis’ tenth consistory, marks the largest influx of voting-age cardinals during his 11-year papacy, further solidifying his influence over the group who will one day choose his successor.With these additions, Francis will have appointed 110 of the 140 cardinals under 80, the threshold for participation in a papal election.
Despite sporting a visible bruise on his chin, francis presided over the St. Peter’s Basilica ceremony without apparent difficulties. A Vatican spokesperson attributed the mark to a minor fall the previous day. Though he exhibited slight fatigue, the 88-year-old pontiff continued with his scheduled duties.This consistory is notable for a surprise substitution. Initially, Francis had selected Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur. However, Syukur requested to be excluded, desiring to further his personal growth as a priest. Quickly filling the vacancy is Naples archbishop Domenico Battaglia, renowned for his devoted work among the city’s marginalized populations.
Italy, once the dominant force within the College of Cardinals, maintains a strong presence with five new additions. These include Turin archbishop Roberto Repole and Baldassare Reina, who together learned of his cardinal appointment and promotion to head administrator for the Diocese of Rome.
Reina’s appointment signifies Francis’ ongoing restructuring of the Rome diocese and its pontifical universities. As grand chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University, Reina will play a crucial role in implementing these reforms.
The group also includes 99-year-old Angelo acerbi, a retired Vatican diplomat who is the only cardinal-elect over 80 and thus ineligible to vote in a conclave.At the other end of the spectrum, 44-year-old Mykola Bychok, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, Australia, becomes the youngest cardinal in the world.
bychok views his elevation as a powerful symbol. He hopes his voice, though ”weak,” will contribute to ending the conflict in Ukraine and promoting peace globally.
Another divergence from tradition finds two Vatican priests receiving the red hat. These individuals hold positions within the Holy See that rarely lead to such an honor. Fabio Baggio serves as undersecretary in the Vatican development office, while George Jacob Koovakad organizes the pope’s international travels.
Other selections directly align with Francis’ reform efforts.
Carlos Gustavo Castillo Mattasoglio, Bagi archbishop of Peru, recently made headlines for his scathing critique of the influential Peruvian Catholic movement, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. In an open letter published in El Pais newspaper, Castillo condemned the group, describing it as a “failed experiment” and a resurgence of fascism within the church, dressed in religious garb.
Following a Vatican investigation, Francis expelled the Sodalitium’s founder and several leading members, reflecting his commitment to purging the institution of abuse and corruption.
The selection of five new Latin American cardinals underscores Francis’ desire for greater geographical representation within the College of Cardinals. These appointments reflect the growing presence and significance of the Catholic Church in this region.
Beyond Latin America, two new cardinals hail from Asia: Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, archbishop of Tokyo, and Pablo Virgilio Sinogco David, bishop of Kalookan, Philippines. Africa receives two new members: Ignace Bessi Dogbo, archbishop of Abidjan, ivory coast, and Jean-Paul Vesco, bishop of Algiers.
Dogbo believes that while an African pope remains a possibility, the Church must be genuinely prepared for such an eventuality, regardless of it being a matter of demand or natural progression.
Francis also selected Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu of Tehran, Iran; Bishop Ladislav Nemet of Belgrade, Serbia; and Archbishop Frank Leo of Toronto, Canada.
Lithuanian-born cardinal-elect Rolandas Makrickas holds a unique position within this pontificate: as archpriest of St. Mary Major basilicas, he welcomes Francis upon his return from foreign trips. Makrickas oversaw recent financial reforms at the basilica and has likely participated in discussions regarding Francis’ future burial place within the basilica, as the pontiff has expressed this desire.
A figure especially familiar to those following Francis’ reform agenda is Dominican Timothy Radcliff, chosen as spiritual father for the recently concluded Synod of bishops.
This momentous gathering, spanning years, aimed to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its members, particularly women.
As the synod drew to a close, Radcliff provided valuable insight, reminding participants of the divine mystery guiding their steps and emphasizing the ongoing nature of religious evolution:
“Frequently enough, we can be removed from how God’s providence unfolds in our lives. We do what we believe to be right,and the rest lies in the hands of the Lord.
“This is only one synod, others will follow. We don’t have to do everything, just take the next step.”
How dose Pope Francis’ emphasis on diversity among new cardinals reflect broader trends within church leadership?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cardinal Appointments Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to this exclusive segment where we unpack the recent developments from the Vatican! Today, we have Professor Maria Santoro, an expert in ecclesiastical studies and a keen observer of papal politics. Maria, great to have you here!
professor Maria Santoro (PMS): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an crucial topic.
TNE: Let’s dive right in! Pope Francis has just appointed 21 new cardinals in what is considered the largest influx during his papacy. What does this signify in terms of his influence within the College of Cardinals?
PMS: This consistory is a crucial event, particularly as Francis has appointed 110 out of 140 voting-age cardinals. This reshaping not only solidifies his influence but also ensures that his vision for the Church continues after his papacy. Each new cardinal plays a vital role in representing his reform agenda.
TNE: Fascinating! Among the new cardinals, we see a mix of individuals, including a Dominican preacher and a “street priest” from Naples. How do these diverse backgrounds reflect Francis’ approach to leadership?
PMS: It illustrates his emphasis on humility and outreach. By appointing individuals who have deep connections with marginalized communities, Francis is signaling his commitment to a church that is not only spiritual but deeply engaged with social issues. The Neapolitan priest, such as, embodies Francis’ own humble beginnings, which reinforces the idea that the Church should serve the people.
TNE: One of the notable appointments is Bishop Baldassare Reina, who will assist in restructuring the Rome diocese. how notable is this for the church’s internal reforms?
PMS: Very significant. Reina’s appointment will be pivotal in implementing the reforms Francis has been advocating. His role as grand chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University means he will influence the education and formation of future leaders of the Church, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of Francis’ vision.
TNE: while all this is happening, we also see Pope Francis presiding over the ceremony despite a minor fall that left him with a visible bruise. What does this tell us about his dedication?
PMS: It demonstrates remarkable resilience and commitment. At 88 years old, he is still carrying out his duties even amidst personal challenges. This dedication is inspiring, but it also raises questions about the future leadership of the Church. Who will carry forward his vision when he is no longer able?
TNE: That’s an important point. Looking ahead, do you foresee any challenges these new cardinals might face as they embrace their roles?
PMS: Certainly. While they align with Francis’ vision,they operate in a complex global context. They will face varying expectations from different factions within the Church and must navigate issues such as abuse scandals and declining attendance in many regions. Balancing tradition with reform will be a delicate task.
TNE: Maria, thank you for your insights! It’s clear that these appointments are more than just a ceremonial act; they represent a significant pivot in the Church’s future. We look forward to seeing how these changes unfold.
PMS: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for the Church, and I’m eager to see how these developments will shape its path moving forward.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on this evolving story from the Vatican!