Pope Francis has made a significant move in shaping the future of the Catholic Church by announcing the selection of 21 new cardinals from around the world. This development is significant as these churchmen will play a crucial role in electing the next pontiff once Francis’s tenure comes to an end. The ceremony to formally install the new cardinals will take place on September 30.
Among the new cardinals are several prelates holding or about to assume major Vatican posts. One such example is Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez from La Plata, Argentina, who has been named to lead the office for ensuring doctrinal orthodoxy and overseeing processing of allegations of sexual abuse against clergy worldwide. The new cardinals also include Hong Kong Bishop Stephen Sau-yan Chow and the Vatican’s top official in the Middle East, Monsignor Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
The selection of these churchmen is significant as they guide congregations in geopolitical areas where Catholics form a small minority. For instance, Bishop Chow leads the Catholic community in Hong Kong, a region where the Church faces significant challenges due to the lack of a concordat with the Chinese government. Similarly, Monsignor Pizzaballa guides the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, a position of great importance given the historical significance of the region to Christianity.
Pope Francis (Via Pope Francis/Twitter)
Francis has always been keen to emphasize the importance of the Catholic Church’s presence in different parts of the world, and his selection of new cardinals reflects this priority. The appointment of cardinals from diverse regions, including Africa, Asia, and Europe, is a testament to the Church’s universal nature and its commitment to serving the needs of its global membership.
The Vatican and China have experienced tensions over the years due to their disagreements over the appointment of bishops and the imprisonment of priests who refuse to pledge allegiance to the Communist government. However, Francis has taken steps to improve relations between the two nations, and the selection of Bishop Chow as a cardinal is seen as a significant gesture of goodwill.
The new cardinals will serve as advisers to the pope on matters of teaching and administration, including the Vatican’s scandal-plagued finances. However, their most crucial duty is to gather in a secret conclave to elect the next pontiff in the event of Francis’s resignation or death. As most of the new cardinals are young enough to participate in this process, it ensures that the next pope will be elected by a group of churchmen who share Francis’s values, priorities, and perspectives.
The selection of 21 new cardinals by Pope Francis is a significant development in the life of the Catholic Church. These churchmen will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Church and will be responsible for electing the next pontiff. The inclusion of prelates from diverse regions and backgrounds reflects the Church’s universal nature and its commitment to serving the needs of its global membership.
