Pope Francis, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, has created 21 new cardinals from around the world, bringing the total number of cardinals to 229. The new cardinals were appointed during a ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, which was attended by thousands of people.
The Pope, who is still recovering from a bruise on his cheek and arm sustained during a visit to Colombia, delivered a homily during the ceremony, urging the new cardinals to walk in the path of Jesus. He emphasized the importance of compassion, humility, and service, and reminded the cardinals that their role is to serve the Church and the world, rather than to seek power or prestige.
The new cardinals come from 18 different countries, including the United States, Italy, Spain, and several countries in Africa and Asia. They were chosen for their dedication to the Church and their commitment to serving the poor and the marginalized.
During the ceremony, the Pope presented each of the new cardinals with a red hat, known as a biretta, and a ring, symbolizing their new role in the Church. The cardinals also received a document known as a bull, which outlines their responsibilities and duties.
The creation of new cardinals is a significant event in the life of the Catholic Church, as it allows the Pope to shape the future of the Church and to appoint leaders who share his vision and values. The new cardinals will play a crucial role in advising the Pope and in electing his successor when he eventually retires or passes away.
The ceremony was attended by thousands of people, including dignitaries from around the world, bishops, and other Church leaders. The atmosphere was festive and joyful, with music and singing filling the basilica.
In his homily, the Pope reflected on the reading from the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of humility and service. He emphasized that the role of the cardinals is not to seek power or prestige, but to serve the Church and the world.
“The path of Jesus is not a path of ambition or personal gain,” the Pope said. “It is a path of service, of humility, and of compassion. As cardinals, you are called to walk this path, to serve the Church and the world, and to be guided by the values of Jesus.”
The Pope also emphasized the importance of unity and communion among the cardinals and the bishops of the Church. He reminded them that they are not individuals, but members of a community, and that their role is to work together to build up the Church and to serve the world.
The ceremony was followed by a reception in the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope and the new cardinals met with dignitaries and other guests. The Pope also held a private audience with the new cardinals, during which he spoke to them about their responsibilities and duties.
The creation of new cardinals is a significant event in the life of the Catholic Church, and it is seen as an opportunity for the Pope to shape the future of the Church and to appoint leaders who share his vision and values. The new cardinals will play a crucial role in advising the Pope and in electing his successor when he eventually retires or passes away.
