Pope Francis Elevates 21 New Cardinals in Reform-Focused Ceremony

Pope Francis presided over the installation of 21 new cardinals on Saturday in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a significant moment in his papacy. Among the newly appointed cardinals are influential figures aligned with his reformist vision, including a Dominican preacher instrumental in the recent synod, a Neapolitan street priest, and a Peruvian bishop who has supported the pope’s measures to combat abuse.

This event represents the 10th consistory during Francis’ 11-year tenure, resulting in the largest group of voting-age cardinals created under his leadership. With this latest cohort, Francis has appointed 110 of the 140 cardinals eligible to vote in a conclave, firmly shaping the group that will select his successor.

Appearing at the ceremony with a visible bruise on his chin, the pope conducted the proceedings without difficulty. The Vatican later explained that the bruise resulted from an incident where Francis hit his nightstand on Friday morning. Despite appearing slightly tired, the 87-year-old pontiff, who relies on a wheelchair due to knee and back issues, carried out the day’s events as planned.

The new appointments push the number of voting-age cardinals beyond the 120-member limit established by St. John Paul II. However, with 13 cardinals set to turn 80 next year, the number will soon return closer to the traditional threshold.

This consistory was unusual, as the group of new cardinals was not identical to the initial list announced by Francis on October 6. One original nominee, Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, declined the appointment, citing a personal desire for spiritual growth. In his place, Francis appointed Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples, known for his pastoral work in challenging urban areas.

Strengthening Italian Representation

Italy gained five new cardinals, maintaining its historical prominence within the College of Cardinals. These include Naples Archbishop Domenico Battaglia, Turin Archbishop Roberto Repole, and Baldassare Reina of Rome, who was simultaneously appointed as the pope’s chief administrator for the Rome diocese. Reina’s responsibilities extend to overseeing the reform of Rome’s diocesan structure and pontifical universities.

Among the Italian cardinals is the oldest appointee, 99-year-old retired Vatican diplomat Angelo Acerbi, who, being over 80, is ineligible to vote in a conclave. Conversely, the youngest cardinal is Mykola Bychok, a 44-year-old bishop serving the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, Australia. Reflecting on his appointment, Bychok stated, “I think there is a special sign in the Pope nominating me as the youngest cardinal. Ukraine has been fighting for three years, officially and maybe unofficially from 2014… Maybe my weak voice will help to stop this war not only in Ukraine but in other countries around the world.”

Two Vatican priests in roles not traditionally associated with cardinal appointments also received the honor. Fabio Baggio, undersecretary in the Vatican development office, and George Jacob Koovakad, responsible for organizing the pope’s foreign travels, were among those elevated.

Global Representation and Reform Advocates

Several appointees hold pivotal roles in Francis’ reform initiatives. Archbishop Carlos Gustavo Castillo Mattasoglio of Lima, Peru, has been a vocal critic of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a conservative Catholic movement with a controversial history. In an essay for El País, Castillo described the group as a “failed experiment” and accused it of embodying “the resurrection of fascism in Latin America.” Francis has taken decisive action against the movement, expelling its founder and several leaders following a Vatican investigation.

Francis’ selection also highlights his commitment to broadening geographic diversity within the College of Cardinals, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church. Five Latin American bishops were elevated, including Vicente Bokalic Iglic of Argentina, Jaime Spengler of Brazil, Fernando Natalio Chomali Garib of Chile, and Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera of Ecuador. In Asia, Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, archbishop of Tokyo, and Pablo Virgilio Sinogco David, bishop of Kalookan, Philippines, were named. Africa saw the appointments of Ignace Bessi Dogbo, archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Jean-Paul Vesco, bishop of Algiers, Algeria.

Speaking on the potential for an African pope, Dogbo remarked, “There hasn’t been an African pope, but it’s a possibility in the church. If this eventuality arises, the universal church would have to be ready to take it on.”

Additional appointments included Dominique Joseph Mathieu, archbishop of Tehran, Iran; Ladislav Nemet, bishop of Belgrade, Serbia; and Frank Leo, archbishop of Toronto, Canada. Lithuanian-born cardinal-elect Rolandas Makrickas also received recognition for his role as archpriest of St. Mary Major Basilica, a significant site for Pope Francis. Makrickas recently oversaw a financial reform of the basilica and may play a role in planning the pope’s future burial site, as Francis has expressed a desire to be interred there.

Key Figures in Francis’ Vision

One of the most prominent new cardinals is Timothy Radcliffe, a British Dominican theologian who served as the spiritual guide during the recent synod on church inclusivity. Radcliffe’s contributions to the synod, including his candid and often humorous insights, resonated with participants. He sparked controversy by suggesting that financial pressures influenced some African bishops’ opposition to blessings for same-sex couples, later clarifying that he was referring to external influences from other faiths.

As the synod concluded, Radcliffe offered a reflective perspective, stating, “Often we can have no idea as to how God’s providence is at work in our lives. We do what we believe to be right, and the rest is in the hands of the Lord. This is just one synod. There will be others. We do not have to do everything, just try to take the next step.”

Francis’ latest appointments underscore his commitment to reshaping the Catholic Church to be more inclusive, geographically diverse, and reform-oriented. By appointing figures who align with his vision, the pope continues to leave an indelible mark on the institution, further ensuring that his legacy will influence the Church for years to come.