Pope Francis has elevated 21 clergy members to the rank of cardinal with a message of diversity. One of them could one day be elected as the new representative of the Church, which has led to speculation that the Church’s future spiritual leader will follow a similar mold to Francis.
Pope Francis on Saturday elevated 21 clergy members from distant corners of the world to the rank of cardinal, saying diversity was indispensable to the future of the Catholic Church.
Under sunny skies and with a crowd that filled half of Vatican City’s grandiose, colonnaded St Peter’s Square, the 86-year-old pope welcomed the new “Princes of the Church,” one of whom could one day become the successor to the current pontiff.
“The College of Cardinals is called to resemble a symphony orchestra, representing the harmony and synodality of the Church,” said Francis, seated under a canopy before the gathered cardinals on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Diversity is necessary; it is indispensable. However, each sound must contribute to the common design,” said the Argentine Jesuit.
The choice of the new cardinals, who include diplomats, close advisers and administrators, is closely watched as an indication of the priorities and position of the Church.
One of them could also one day be elected by his peers to succeed Francis, who has left the door open to stepping down in the future should his health warrant it.
Saturday’s ceremony, known as a consistory, is the ninth since Francis in 2013 was named head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
During his papacy, Francis has sought to create a more inclusive, universal Church, looking past Europe to clergy in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to fill the Church’s highest ranks.
Eighteen of the 21 newly made cardinals are under the age of 80 and thus currently eligible to vote as “cardinal electors” in the next conclave when Francis’ successor will be decided.
They are among 99 cardinal electors created by Francis, representing about three-quarters of the total.
That has given rise to speculation that the Church’s future spiritual leader will be cast in the same mold as Francis, preaching a more tolerant Church with a greater focus on the poor and marginalized.
There are three new cardinals from South America, including two Argentinians and three from Africa, with the promotion of the archbishops of Juba in South Sudan, Tabora in Tanzania, and Brislin from Cape Town.
Some new cardinals, like Chow, have experience in sensitive zones of the world where the Holy See hopes to play an important diplomatic role.
Miroslava Salazar, with AFP
