Pope Francis ordained 21 new cardinals on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of humility and service in their roles as leaders of the Catholic Church. The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, was attended by dignitaries, clergy, and faithful from around the world.
The 21 new cardinals come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church. They were chosen by Pope Francis for their commitment to the values of the Church and their dedication to serving others.
During the ceremony, Pope Francis delivered a homily in which he urged the new cardinals to walk in the path of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of humility and service. He noted that the role of a cardinal is not one of power or prestige, but rather one of service to the Church and to the world.
“As cardinals, you are called to be servants of the Church, to be humble and to be willing to serve others,” Pope Francis said. “You are called to be witnesses to the Gospel, to be bearers of hope and joy to a world that often seems to have lost its way.”
The Pope also emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among the cardinals, urging them to work together to address the challenges facing the Church and the world.
“Unity is not uniformity, but rather a harmony of diversity,” Pope Francis said. “As cardinals, you are called to be instruments of unity, to bring people together and to promote understanding and cooperation.”
The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including heads of state and government, as well as representatives of other Christian denominations and faiths. The new cardinals were also joined by their families and friends, who came from around the world to witness the ceremony.
The ordination of new cardinals is a significant event in the life of the Catholic Church, as it marks the addition of new leaders who will play important roles in shaping the Church’s future. The new cardinals will participate in the College of Cardinals, which advises the Pope on matters of importance to the Church.
The 21 new cardinals come from 14 countries, including Italy, the United States, Brazil, and the Philippines. They include bishops, archbishops, and other high-ranking clergy who have been recognized for their service to the Church.
The ceremony was marked by traditional rituals and ceremonies, including the imposition of the biretta, a distinctive red hat worn by cardinals. The new cardinals also received a ring, symbolizing their commitment to the Church and their role as servants of the Gospel.
As the ceremony came to a close, Pope Francis offered a final blessing, urging the new cardinals to remain faithful to their calling and to always prioritize the values of humility and service.
“May you always be guided by the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve,” Pope Francis said. “May you be instruments of hope and joy to a world that often seems to have lost its way.”
The ordination of the 21 new cardinals marks a significant milestone in the life of the Catholic Church, as it welcomes new leaders who will play important roles in shaping the Church’s future. As the new cardinals begin their new roles, they will be guided by the principles of humility and service, and will work to promote unity and cooperation within the Church and around the world.
