Pope names new cardinals to reflect diversity in Catholic Church

Pope Francis on Sunday named 20 new cardinals from around the world to the elite group at the top of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, including 15 who can enter a conclave to choose his successor after his death or resignation. It is the second time the 78-year-old Francis has put his stamp on the direction he wants the 1.2-billion-member Church to move in, having named 19 cardinals a year ago. The new “princes” of the Church will be installed at a ceremony known as a consistory at the Vatican on Feb. 14.

[These appointments] show the indelible tie with the church of Rome to churches in the world.

Pope Francis told faithful in St. Peter’s Square that the churchmen come “from every continent”

The 15 new “cardinal electors” – those aged under 80 – come from Italy, France, Portugal, Ethiopia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Mexico, Myanmar, Thailand, Uruguay, Spain, Panama, Cape Verde and Tonga. Nine of them come from countries in the developing world. It was the first time cardinals from Myanmar, Tonga and Cape Verde were appointed. The five new cardinals over 80 will not be allowed to enter a conclave. They were given the title to thank them for long years of service to the Church.

World