Pope Francis has said that he will create thirteen new Catholic
cardinals next month, ten of whom are under eighty years old and
therefore eligible to vote for his successor.
Those under age eighty will be able to take part in the next secret
conclave to elect the head of the world’s one point-two billion
Catholics, who will be chosen from among the cardinals.
Francis, who made the surprise announcement during his weekly Angelus
address, said they would be appointed on October fifth.
The appointments came as the Argentine pontiff gradually shapes a less
European college of cardinals.
The newcomers hail from North America, Central America, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Pope Francis said their origin expresses the missionary vocation of the Church.
The Tablet’s Vatican expert, Christopher Lamb said the Pope’s
nominations “reflect his priority to build bridges with other
religions and to support migrants”.
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