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Pope Francis names 13 new cardinals

October 25, 2020

The pope has made a surprise announcement while addressing the faithful at the Vatican, announcing a group of new cardinals who could help ensure Francis' eventual successor will continue his legacy.

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Pope Francis speaks to pilgrims at the Vatican
Image: Claudio Peri/ANSA/picture-alliance

Pope Francis named 13 new Roman Catholic cardinals on Sunday. Nine of the new cardinals are under the age of 80, making them eligible to elect his successor. 

The move increases the likelihood that the next pope will be a man who continues the pontiff's policies.

Read more: Pope Francis and homosexuality in the Catholic Church: an analysis

Francis made the surprise announcement from his studio window to people on St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. He said the men would be elevated to the rank of cardinal in a ceremony on November 28.

Among the new electors under the age of 80 is Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory, who would become the first Black US prelate to be elevated to cardinal. Wilton was tapped by Francis to lead the diocese in the US capital last year and has served as head of the US Conference of Bishops three times.

Also named was Antoine Kambanda, the archbishop of Kigali, Rwanda; Jose Fuerte Advincula, the archbishop of Capiz, Philippines; and Celestino Aos Braco, the archbishop of Santiago, Chile.

Read more: Opinion: Has the Catholic Church had its day?

The four non-electors above the age of 80 are being elevated to the cardinal's rank because of their long service to the Roman Catholic Church. They include the Vatican's 86-year-old long-time papal preacher Raniero Cantalamessa, a Franciscan friar. 

No details about the consistory, the name of the formal ceremony to elevate the men to cardinals, were provided by the Vatican.

Read more: Pope says capitalism failed humanity during coronavirus pandemic

dr/sms (AP, Reuters, KNA)