Pope Sends Clear Message To The Church With New Cardinal Picks
Many of the new cardinals come from developing countries, underscoring Francis’ belief that the church should become less Euro-centric.
ALESSANDRO BIANCHI / REUTERS Pope Francis reacts as he is greeted by Cardinals at the end of a mass for the Jubilee of Priests at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican June 3.
Pope Francis on Sunday promoted 17 Roman Catholic prelates from around the world to the high rank of cardinal, including 13 who are under 80 years old and thus eligible to succeed him one day.
Cardinals, who wear red hats and are known as “princes of the Church,” are the most senior members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy after the pope and serve as his principal advisers around the world and in the Vatican.
The new cardinal-electors come from Italy, the Central African Republic, Spain, the United States, Brazil, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Belgium, Mauritius, Mexico and Papua New Guinea.
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