Pope Francis says he will appoint 17 new cardinals from across the world next month, 13 of whom are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to succeed him.
Cardinals, known as the “princes of the church,” who are under 80 are eligible to vote in the papal conclave that picks the next pope.
“I am happy to announce that on Saturday, November 19… I will hold a meeting of cardinals to nominate the 13 new cardinals from the five continents,” Francis says.
Pope Francis addresses the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St.Peter’s square during his Sunday Angelus prayer on February 21, 2016 at the Vatican. (AFP PHOTO/Filippo Monteforte)
“The fact they are from 11 countries shows the universality of the church,” says the Argentine pontiff.
Three of the 13 who will have conclave voting rights are from Europe, three from Latin America, three from the US and two each from Africa and Asia.
In February 2015 Pope Francois created 20 new cardinals, greatly accelerating the internationalization of the church in which European cardinals are no longer in the majority.
— AFP
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