Pope Francis

2024 - 10 - 7

Pope Francis Throws a Cardinal Party: 21 New Faces Join the Vatican Crew!

Archbishop of Toronto - Catholic Church leadership - Father Timothy Radcliffe - inclusivity in Church - Middle East conflict - new cardinals - Pope Francis - Syro-Malabar Church - Ukrainian Catholic Bishop

Pope Francis just leveled up his squad with 21 new cardinals. Let's meet these holy VIPs and see what this means for the Church!

Pope Francis has once again shaken things up at the Vatican by announcing the creation of 21 new cardinals during his Sunday Angelus address on October 6. This significant move aims at balancing the power within the College of Cardinals and enhancing the Church's global presence. Among the newly appointed cardinals is the Archbishop of Toronto, Francis Leo, who stands out as the only North American representative in this elite group. At just 53 years old, he has already made waves since his appointment earlier this year!

Joining the ranks is also the venerable Father Timothy Radcliffe, a Dominican priest aged 79, whose wisdom and experience will no doubt contribute to the ongoing dialogues within the Church. Meanwhile, in a historic first for India, Monsignor Koovakad has been elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis, bringing joy to the Syro-Malabar Church. This move symbolizes not just recognition of service but offers a fresh perspective on Catholicism emerging from diverse global regions.

In recent days, Pope Francis has also been vocal about pressing world issues. He expressed deep disappointment regarding the international community's failure to intervene in the ongoing clashes in the Middle East. His strong call for peace during the Rosary prayer event on October 6 emphasized the Church's commitment to be a nurturing force in these turbulent times. By addressing such pressing matters, it’s evident that the Pope wants his new cardinals not only to focus on the internal affairs of the Church but also to be front-liners in humanitarian dialogue.

Beyond the colorful titles and ceremonial robes, the newly appointed cardinals are tasked with crucial responsibilities. During their installation on December 8, they will take an oath to support Pope Francis in his reformative vision for the Church. In a world facing increasing challenges, the addition of these cardinals could pave the way for renewed hope and a softer approach to resolving issues that are burdening society.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the title of Cardinal comes from the Latin 'cardo', meaning 'hinge'? It symbolizes their role as vital links between the Church and its faithful!

Another exciting tidbit is that the last time such a large group of cardinals was appointed was in 2016, showing that Pope Francis is constantly renewing his team for better navigation through modern challenges while keeping the message of hope alive for all.

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Image courtesy of "La Croix International"

Who are the 21 new cardinals chosen by Pope Francis? (La Croix International)

During his Sunday Angelus address October 6, Pope Francis announced the creation of 21 new cardinals. The balance of power within the College of Cardinals ...

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Image courtesy of "CHVN Radio"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including archbishop of ... (CHVN Radio)

The Archbishop of Toronto is among 21 new cardinals Pope Francis named Sunday and the lone new cardinal from North America. Archbishop Francis Leo, 53, ...

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Image courtesy of "The Tablet"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals including Fr Timothy ... (The Tablet)

Dominican priest Father Timothy Radcliffe OP is among 21 new cardinals to be created by Pope Francis at a consistory on 8 December. Fr Radcliffe, 79, who is ...

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Syro-Malabar Church expresses joy at elevation of Kerala priest ... (The Hindu)

Syro-Malabar Church celebrates Monsignor Koovakad's elevation to Cardinal by Pope Francis, a historic first for India.

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Image courtesy of "CHCH News"

Pope Francis names Archbishop of Toronto one of 21 new cardinals (CHCH News)

53-year-old Archbishop Francis Leo has served as Archbishop of Toronto since March 2023, and he is the lone new cardinal from North America.

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Image courtesy of "RCAM - Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila"

Pope Francis names CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop as new ... (RCAM - Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila)

His Holiness Pope Francis announced the consistory of the creation of Cardinals during the Sunday Angelus on October 6. The 21 Cardinal-elects include CBCP ...

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Image courtesy of "Kyiv Post"

Pope Francis Chooses Ukrainian Catholic Bishop to Become Cardinal (Kyiv Post)

In a move seen by many as a backhanded reprimand, the Pope will promote a young Ukrainian bishop in Australia to cardinal, which might prevent the head of ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis Prays Rosary for Peace on Eve of First Anniversary of ... (National Catholic Register)

Rome's largest Marian basilica was packed for the Rosary prayer on Oct. 6 with bishops, cardinals, priests, religious sisters and laypeople.

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Monitor"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel ... (Middle East Monitor)

Pope Francis criticised, on Monday, what he called the “shameful inability” of the international community to end the war in the Middle East, one year after ...

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

'I am close to you,' says Pope to martyred flock in the Holy Land (Vatican News)

Marking one year from the Hamas attacks on Israel that plunged the Holy Land into all-out war, Pope Francis addresses a letter to the Catholics of the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Pope Francis slams 'shameful' failure of diplomacy in Mideast (The Hindu)

Pope Francis criticizes world powers for failing to end Middle East conflict, calls for dialogue and peace.

Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals who will help him to reform ... (Religion News Service)

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The ceremony officially installing them followed a ritual in which each man takes an oath to obey the pope, remain faithful to Christ and ...

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Synod members vote to dialogue with study groups on controversial ... (America Magazine)

The study groups are investigating questions such as how to improve seminary education, ministry to LGBTQ Catholics and possible ministry roles for women in ...

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

Cardinal-elect Koovakad is first serving organizer of papal visits to ... (Vatican News)

After Pope Francis announced he would create Indian-born Fr. George Koovakad a Cardinal on December 8, our Editorial Director recalls that there have ...

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Pope Francis to Catholics in the Middle East: Thank you for being ... (America Magazine)

In a letter on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in the Middle East, Pope Francis calls for an end to conflict and a dialogue of peace.

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Image courtesy of "The Pillar"

Why is Pope Francis making so many English cardinals? (The Pillar)

There are roughly four million Catholics in England. And on Sunday, the country gained its fourth cardinal. Cardinal-elect Timothy Radcliffe, ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel-Hamas ... (Reuters)

Pope Francis criticised on Monday what he called the "shameful inability" of the international community to end the war in the Middle East, one year after ...

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Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

Pope Francis: 'Prayer and fasting are the weapons of love that ... (Catholic News Agency)

In his letter to Catholics in the Middle East, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis: 'Prayer and Fasting are the Weapons of Love that ... (National Catholic Register)

In his letter, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most often,” suffering as a result ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Snubs and Surprises: Making Sense of Pope Francis' Latest ... (National Catholic Register)

ANALYSIS: Here are six angles for understanding who the new cardinals are and why Pope Francis might have picked them.

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Image courtesy of "The Tablet"

Pope names 21 new cardinals including Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP (The Tablet)

Dominican priest Father Timothy Radcliffe OP is among 21 new cardinals to be created by Pope Francis at a consistory on 8 December. Fr Radcliffe, 79, who is ...

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Image courtesy of "USCCB"

Powerful impose war on others, world shows indifference, pope says (USCCB)

On the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis urges Christians to be peacemakers, condemns the escalating violence in the Middle East and warns ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Pope's diverse choices of new cardinals won't smooth path for ... (Reuters)

When Pope Francis appoints new Catholic cardinals, as he did on Sunday, the move is often described as the pontiff pushing to influence the group that one ...

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Image courtesy of "Crikey"

'Choking on his Talisker': Church insiders spill on Australia's new ... (Crikey)

In selecting Australia's latest cardinal, Pope Francis has notably overlooked several of the late George Pell's most right-wing appointees.

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Image courtesy of "Catholic Outlook"

Pope Francis names Australia's next Cardinal (Catholic Outlook)

Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Australia. Image: Giovanni Portelli, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Pope Francis ...

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Image courtesy of "ROME REPORTS TV News Agency"

The College of Cardinals after Pope Francis' announcement - Rome ... (ROME REPORTS TV News Agency)

The Catholic Church will have 21 new cardinals. All will be electors except one. This was announced by the pope at the Angelus. FRANCISCO

Pope Francis prepares college of cardinals for next conclave (Religion News Service)

RNS is an independent, nonprofit, and award-winning source of global news on religion, spirituality, and culture. Founded in 1934, RNS seeks to inform ...

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Pope Francis has appointed about 80 percent of the cardinals who ... (America Magazine)

Of the 141 cardinals under 80 years of age after the Dec. 8 consistory, 111 will have been appointed by Francis, 24 by Pope Benedict XVI and six by Pope John ...

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Image courtesy of "Exaudi"

Pope Francis to Catholics in the Middle East: “I am with you, thirsty ... (Exaudi)

Pope Francis has addressed an emotional letter to Catholics in the Middle East, showing his closeness and solidarity with all those who suffer the ...

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Image courtesy of "ACI Africa"

Pope Francis: "Prayer and fasting are the weapons of love that ... (ACI Africa)

In his letter to Catholics in the Middle East, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most ...

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