Pope Francis on Saturday appointed 21 new Cardinals to fill the highest ranks in the Catholic Church.
The ceremony, known as a consistory, is the ninth since Francis in 2013 was named head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The event took place at St. Peter’s square in The Vatican.
The 86 year-old Pope Francis who was seated under a canopy before the gathering of Cardinals on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, welcomed them and said that -“The College of Cardinals is called to resemble a symphony orchestra, representing the harmony and synodality of the Church.”
The Argentine Jesuit said further that- “Diversity is necessary; it is indispensable. However, each sound must contribute to the common design.”
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.
One by one, the scarlet-clad cardinals knelt before the pope, who bestowed on them the two symbols of their high office: a scarlet four-cornered cap known as a biretta, and a cardinal’s ring.
To some, a grinning Francis uttered an encouraging “Bravo!” or “Courage!” as he shook their hand.
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. Three of the new Cardinals ordained Saturday are from Africa.
The church leaders are among 99 cardinal-electors created by Francis, representing about three-quarters of the total, a development that has given rise to speculation that the Church’s future spiritual leader will be cast in the same mould as Francis, preaching a more tolerant Church with a greater focus on the poor and marginalised.