Pope Francis’s decision to create 21 new cardinals has sent a significant message about his vision for the future of the Catholic Church. The new cardinals, who were announced on May 29, 2022, are drawn from diverse backgrounds and regions, reflecting the Pope’s commitment to increasing representation and inclusivity within the Church.
Among the new cardinals are several high-profile reformers, including Archbishop of San Diego Robert McElroy, who has been a vocal advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the Church’s handling of clergy abuse cases. Another notable appointment is that of Archbishop of Ghana Philip Naameh, who has spoken out against corruption and has worked to promote greater financial transparency within the Church.
The elevation of these new cardinals is seen as a key step in Pope Francis’s efforts to reform the Church and address the many challenges it faces. Since his election in 2013, the Pope has made clear his commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate Church, one that is more responsive to the needs of the faithful and more accountable to the wider world.
The new cardinals will play a crucial role in supporting the Pope’s reform agenda, particularly in the areas of clergy abuse and financial transparency. In recent years, the Church has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of abuse cases, with many critics arguing that it has failed to take adequate action to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Pope’s decision to elevate reform-minded cardinals is seen as a response to these criticisms and a recognition of the need for greater transparency and accountability within the Church. The new cardinals will also play a key role in shaping the Church’s response to other pressing issues, including climate change, poverty, and social inequality.
The elevation of new cardinals is a significant event in the life of the Church, marking a major shift in the balance of power and influence within the Vatican. The new cardinals will join the College of Cardinals, a group of senior bishops who advise the Pope and elect his successor.
The ceremony to formally elevate the new cardinals will take place on August 27, 2022, at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The event is expected to draw widespread media attention and will be closely watched by Catholics around the world.
In addition to the reform-minded cardinals, the Pope has also elevated several other bishops who are known for their commitment to social justice and their work in promoting the values of compassion and mercy. These include Archbishop of Brazil Leonardo Steiner, who has worked tirelessly to promote the rights of indigenous peoples, and Archbishop of South Africa Wilfrid Fox Napier, who has been a vocal advocate for greater economic equality and social justice.
The elevation of these new cardinals is a testament to the Pope’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate Church, one that is more responsive to the needs of the faithful and more accountable to the wider world. As the Church continues to grapple with the many challenges it faces, the new cardinals will play a crucial role in shaping its response and supporting the Pope’s reform agenda.
In a statement released after the announcement, the Pope said, “I am pleased to announce the creation of 21 new cardinals, who will support me in my efforts to reform the Church and promote a more inclusive and compassionate society. These new cardinals are drawn from diverse backgrounds and regions, reflecting the rich diversity of the Catholic Church. I am confident that they will bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the College of Cardinals, helping to shape the future of our Church.”
The Pope’s decision to elevate new cardinals has been widely welcomed by Catholics around the world, who see it as a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate Church. As the Church continues to evolve and respond to the challenges of the modern world, the new cardinals will play a crucial role in shaping its future and supporting the Pope’s reform agenda.
