Pope Francis appoints 21 cardinals, including ones from Hong Kong and Jerusalem.
On July 9, Pope Francis made an announcement declaring his selection of 21 new cardinals, including individuals from Jerusalem and Hong Kong, where Catholics constitute a minority. This decision highlights his ongoing efforts to shape the body of church officials who will eventually elect his successor.
The Pope revealed his choices during his customary public appearance in St. Peter’s Square, stating that the formal installation of the cardinals would take place on September 30.
Among the selected cardinals are several prelates who currently hold or are about to assume significant positions within the Vatican. This includes Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez from La Plata, Argentina, whom the Pope recently appointed to lead the Holy See’s influential office responsible for ensuring doctrinal adherence and overseeing investigations into allegations of sexual abuse by clergy worldwide.
The new cardinals also include Bishop Stephen Sau-yan Chow of Hong Kong and Monsignor Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Vatican’s highest-ranking official in the Middle East and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. These appointments reflect the Vatican’s particular interest in the geopolitical situations in these regions.
The Vatican and China have a complex relationship marked by periods of tension and improving ties. The Communist-led nation insists on its right to appoint bishops and has imprisoned priests who professed loyalty to the Pope. This ongoing issue has had an impact on the relationship between the two entities.
Cardinals play a crucial role as advisors to the Pope on matters of teaching, administration, and the Vatican’s financial affairs, which have faced numerous scandals. However, their most significant responsibility is to gather in a secret conclave to elect the next Pope. Over the course of his papacy, Francis has appointed multiple batches of new cardinals, ensuring that those who will have a say in his successor’s election align with his values, priorities, and perspectives.
The list of newly selected cardinals also includes individuals from Cape Town, South Africa; Juba, South Sudan (which the Pope visited earlier this year); Penang, Malaysia; and Lodz, Poland. Eighteen out of the 21 new cardinals are under the age of 80, making them eligible to vote in a conclave.
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