Mon Oct 07 19:43:24 UTC 2024: ## Pope Francis Announces 21 New Cardinals, Shaping Future Papal Election
VATICAN CITY – In a surprise move, Pope Francis announced Sunday that he will appoint 21 new cardinals to the global Catholic Church, a decision that will likely influence the next papal election. The ceremony, known as a consistory, will take place on December 8th.
This marks the tenth consistory called by the 87-year-old pontiff since his election 11 years ago, and it comes as a surprise given the current number of cardinals eligible to vote in a future conclave. While church law limits the number of voting cardinals to 120, Francis has previously exceeded this limit.
With the appointment of 21 new cardinals, the number of eligible voters will reach 143. This is significant because, while all cardinals have a voice in pre-conclave meetings, only those under 80 can participate in the actual election. The upcoming appointments come at a time when two cardinals currently eligible to vote will turn 80 by the end of the year, and 13 more will reach the age limit by the end of 2025.
These new cardinals, who hold the second-highest position in the Church hierarchy, will become close advisors to Pope Francis and play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Catholic Church. While they are traditionally referred to as “princes of the Church,” Francis has encouraged them to live modestly and focus on serving the poor.
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