Pope Francis

2024 - 10 - 7

Pope Francis Breaks Records: 21 New Cardinals and a Sprinkle of Controversy!

Archbishop Francis Leo - Cardinal Election - Catholic Church Reforms - College of Cardinals - Monsignor George Koovakad - Pope and the Middle East Conflict - Pope Francis - Syro-Malabar Church - Ukrainian Catholic Bishop

Pope Francis announces 21 new cardinals, including a Kerala priest, North America's sole representative, and a Ukrainian bishop, amidst a backdrop of Mideast turmoil!

In a momentous announcement during his Sunday Angelus on October 6, 2023, Pope Francis revealed the creation of 21 new cardinals, shaking up the ranks within the College of Cardinals. This pivotal move is seen as a strategic decision aimed at addressing the future of the Catholic Church and its leadership, setting the stage for reforms that reflect today’s pressing issues. Among the new cardinals are individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds and parts of the world, showcasing the universal nature of the Church.

Among the noteworthy appointments is Monsignor Koovakad, representing the Syro-Malabar Church from Kerala, India. His elevation to cardinal marks a historic first not just for him but also for the entire Indian ecclesiastical hierarchy, igniting celebrations back home. Additionally, the Archbishop of Toronto, Francis Leo, is the lone North American cardinal chosen, having freshly taken up his post earlier this year in March. This adds a significant voice from the continent in matters at the Vatican, as he joins the ranks of cardinals tasked with advising the pope and aiding in worldwide Catholic governance.

The new roster also includes Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, a Dominican priest well-known for his engaging homilies and writings. His inclusion brings a vibrant personality into the mix, along with the young Ukrainian Bishop in Australia, who is recognized for his efforts in a politically charged atmosphere. As the Pope faces a complex global narrative, including vocal discontent regarding the international community's response to the ongoing Middle East conflict, these appointments could signify a tailoring of the Church's leadership to tackle urgent social issues.

With these changes, Pope Francis is not only fulfilling a crucial administrative role but also delivers a powerful message, notably criticizing the 'shameful inability' of global diplomacy to halt violence in the Middle East. His advocacy for peace has never been more necessary, as the Pope navigates through sensitive topics while preparing these new cardinals to engage actively with their communities. The event on December 8 will officially install these new cardinals, who will take an oath to remain loyal to the Pope and the teachings of Christ.

Interestingly, the selection of cardinals emphasizes Pope Francis's commitment to reform the Church, highlighting the global diversity of the Catholicism represented. With this group, he aims to rejuvenate discussions on issues that range from modern ethical dilemmas to the complicated tapestry of world politics, all while ensuring the Church's responsiveness remains relevant. It’s a reminder that in the world of faith and diplomacy, a little humor and a whole lot of heart can go a long way!

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Image courtesy of "La Croix International"

Who are the 21 new cardinals chosen by Pope Francis? (La Croix International)

During his Sunday Angelus address October 6, Pope Francis announced the creation of 21 new cardinals. The balance of power within the College of Cardinals ...

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Syro-Malabar Church expresses joy at elevation of Kerala priest ... (The Hindu)

Syro-Malabar Church celebrates Monsignor Koovakad's elevation to Cardinal by Pope Francis, a historic first for India.

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Image courtesy of "CHVN Radio"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including archbishop of ... (CHVN Radio)

The Archbishop of Toronto is among 21 new cardinals Pope Francis named Sunday and the lone new cardinal from North America. Archbishop Francis Leo, 53, ...

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Image courtesy of "CHCH News"

Pope Francis names Archbishop of Toronto one of 21 new cardinals (CHCH News)

53-year-old Archbishop Francis Leo has served as Archbishop of Toronto since March 2023, and he is the lone new cardinal from North America.

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Image courtesy of "The Tablet"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals including Fr Timothy ... (The Tablet)

Dominican priest Father Timothy Radcliffe OP is among 21 new cardinals to be created by Pope Francis at a consistory on 8 December. Fr Radcliffe, 79, who is ...

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Image courtesy of "RCAM - Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila"

Pope Francis names CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop as new ... (RCAM - Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila)

His Holiness Pope Francis announced the consistory of the creation of Cardinals during the Sunday Angelus on October 6. The 21 Cardinal-elects include CBCP ...

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Image courtesy of "Kyiv Post"

Pope Francis Chooses Ukrainian Catholic Bishop to Become Cardinal (Kyiv Post)

In a move seen by many as a backhanded reprimand, the Pope will promote a young Ukrainian bishop in Australia to cardinal, which might prevent the head of ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis Prays Rosary for Peace on Eve of First Anniversary of ... (National Catholic Register)

Rome's largest Marian basilica was packed for the Rosary prayer on Oct. 6 with bishops, cardinals, priests, religious sisters and laypeople.

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Pope Francis slams 'shameful' failure of diplomacy in Mideast (The Hindu)

Pope Francis criticizes world powers for failing to end Middle East conflict, calls for dialogue and peace.

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

'I am close to you,' says Pope to martyred flock in the Holy Land (Vatican News)

Marking one year from the Hamas attacks on Israel that plunged the Holy Land into all-out war, Pope Francis addresses a letter to the Catholics of the ...

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Image courtesy of "Middle East Monitor"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel ... (Middle East Monitor)

Pope Francis criticised, on Monday, what he called the “shameful inability” of the international community to end the war in the Middle East, one year after ...

Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals who will help him to reform ... (Religion News Service)

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The ceremony officially installing them followed a ritual in which each man takes an oath to obey the pope, remain faithful to Christ and ...

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Image courtesy of "Deccan Herald"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel-Hamas ... (Deccan Herald)

Francis, has spoken more openly in recent weeks about the Hamas-Israel conflict, and has become more vocal in his criticism of Israel's military campaign.

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Synod members vote to dialogue with study groups on controversial ... (America Magazine)

The study groups are investigating questions such as how to improve seminary education, ministry to LGBTQ Catholics and possible ministry roles for women in ...

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

Cardinal-elect Koovakad is first serving organizer of papal visits to ... (Vatican News)

After Pope Francis announced he would create Indian-born Fr. George Koovakad a Cardinal on December 8, our Editorial Director recalls that there have ...

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Pope Francis to Catholics in the Middle East: Thank you for being ... (America Magazine)

In a letter on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in the Middle East, Pope Francis calls for an end to conflict and a dialogue of peace.

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Image courtesy of "The Pillar"

Why is Pope Francis making so many English cardinals? (The Pillar)

There are roughly four million Catholics in England. And on Sunday, the country gained its fourth cardinal. Cardinal-elect Timothy Radcliffe, ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel-Hamas ... (Reuters)

Pope Francis criticised on Monday what he called the "shameful inability" of the international community to end the war in the Middle East, one year after ...

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Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

Pope Francis: 'Prayer and fasting are the weapons of love that ... (Catholic News Agency)

In his letter to Catholics in the Middle East, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most ...

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Image courtesy of "USCCB"

Powerful impose war on others, world shows indifference, pope says (USCCB)

On the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis urges Christians to be peacemakers, condemns the escalating violence in the Middle East and warns ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Snubs and Surprises: Making Sense of Pope Francis' Latest ... (National Catholic Register)

ANALYSIS: Here are six angles for understanding who the new cardinals are and why Pope Francis might have picked them.

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Image courtesy of "ROME REPORTS TV News Agency"

The College of Cardinals after Pope Francis' announcement - Rome ... (ROME REPORTS TV News Agency)

The Catholic Church will have 21 new cardinals. All will be electors except one. This was announced by the pope at the Angelus. FRANCISCO

Pope Francis prepares college of cardinals for next conclave (Religion News Service)

RNS is an independent, nonprofit, and award-winning source of global news on religion, spirituality, and culture. Founded in 1934, RNS seeks to inform ...

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Pope Francis has appointed about 80 percent of the cardinals who ... (America Magazine)

Of the 141 cardinals under 80 years of age after the Dec. 8 consistory, 111 will have been appointed by Francis, 24 by Pope Benedict XVI and six by Pope John ...

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Image courtesy of "Exaudi"

Pope Francis to Catholics in the Middle East: “I am with you, thirsty ... (Exaudi)

Pope Francis has addressed an emotional letter to Catholics in the Middle East, showing his closeness and solidarity with all those who suffer the ...

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