The Pope Francis has announced the appointment of eighteen new cardinals, including the Bishop of Hong Kong, Bishop Stephen Chow SJ, and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The announcement, made during the Holy Father’s Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, also includes Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the former apostolic nuncio to the Court of St James, and the controversial Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández, the newly appointed prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
The College of Cardinals is responsible for electing the next pope, and this announcement comes at a time when there has been increased discussion and speculation about Pope Francis’ health and his plans for the future. It is worth noting that Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, has once again been overlooked, disappointing those hoping for a sign of papal support for the Church in Ukraine.
Most of the new cardinals hold significant positions within the Church, such as prefects of dicasteries in Rome, members of the papal diplomatic corps, or incumbents of major metropolitan sees around the world. The new cardinals will officially receive their red birettas in a consistory on 30 September at the Vatican.
During his Angelus address, Pope Francis requested prayers for the new cardinals, emphasizing their role in confirming their dedication to Christ and assisting him in his ministry as Bishop of Rome. The Holy Father referred to Christ as the merciful and faithful High Priest, underscoring the importance of these new cardinals in serving the faithful.
The announcement of the new cardinals has sparked interest and speculation about the future direction of the Catholic Church. With Pope Francis approaching his 85th birthday in December, the question of his successor weighs heavily on the minds of many Catholics worldwide. Pope Francis’ papacy has been marked by a spirit of reform and inclusivity, and the appointment of these new cardinals may provide insights into the potential priorities of the next pope.
It is important to note that the College of Cardinals comprises both electors and non-electors. The non-electors, who have been recognized for their long service to the Church, will not participate in the election of the next pope. Nevertheless, their contributions and experience will continue to shape the direction and guidance of the Church.
The announcement of the new cardinals has also highlighted the diversity within the Catholic Church, with representatives from various regions and backgrounds. While some may view this as a positive step towards inclusivity and representation, others may question the controversial appointments among the new cardinals, such as Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández.
The consistory on 30 September will be a significant moment for the newly appointed cardinals, as they officially assume their roles and responsibilities within the College of Cardinals. As Pope Francis continues his papacy, the selection of these cardinals may offer a glimpse into the future of the Catholic Church, prompting discussions and debates within the worldwide Catholic community.
The Catholic Church plays a crucial role in the lives of millions of people around the world, and the appointment of new cardinals is a significant event within the Church’s hierarchy. The decision to add these individuals to the College of Cardinals not only reflects the Pope’s vision and priorities but also has implications for the future direction of the Church. As the world watches and awaits the next pope, these new cardinals will be tasked with guiding the faithful and carrying out the essential work of the Church.
