Cu noi cardinali, papa pune pecetea viitorului Bisericii

Pope Francis inducted 20 cardinals around the globe on Saturday (27 August). He chose men who most agree with his vision for a progressive and inclusive Church, and influenced their choice of his successor.

Francis, 85, presided over a ceremony called a consistory. He told the new cardinals that they should show concern for the common people, despite their high rank which will bring them in contact with the powerful.

This ceremony marked Francis' eighth attempt to influence the future of the Church with a new group of cardinals, who will be his top advisors and administrators in the Vatican and around world.

Participants under 80, 16 of the 20 newcomers, can participate in a conclave that elects a new pope among themselves.

They are from Britain, South Korea and France.

Francis stated: "A Cardinal loves God the Church, always with the same spiritual fire whether dealing with great questions, handling daily problems or with the powerful of the world"

Francis asked them to recall "poor families, migrants, and homeless" as they sat before the main altar in St. Peter's Basilica.

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He delivered his homily with a strong voice.

Francis was elected pope in 2013 and has chosen 83 out of the 132 cardinal voters, which is about 63%.

Francis continues to "tilt towards Asia" with each consistory. This increases the chances that the next pope will be from this region, which is becoming a political and economic powerhouse.

In an interview last month, the 85-year old pontiff stated that he would rather resign for future health reasons than die in office. He could also name more cardinals next year.

After reading his homily Francis gave each of them their ring, red hat and vestments. The colour is meant to remind them to be willing to give their blood for the faith.

Francis has broken many of the rules used by his predecessors to pick cardinals since his election as the Latin American pope. He has often preferred men from smaller cities and developing countries to cardinals, as opposed to those from capitals.

The first cardinal from Amazonia is the Archbishop Leonardo Steiner, Brazil. This is a sign of Francis' concern for the environment and indigenous peoples.

Another surprise new cardinal elector is Archbishop Giorgio Marengo. He is an Italian priest who is also the administrator of the Catholic Church in Mongolia. He is 48 years old and the youngest cardinal elector.

Mongolia is home to less than 1,500 Catholics, but it is strategically important because it borders China, where the Vatican is working to improve the situation for Catholics.

"The Holy Father is there to care for the Church no matter where it may be located in the world. He told Reuters that he believes a small community is just as important as a large one before the ceremony.

Bishop Robert McElroy, San Diego, California is a notable appointment from richer countries. He is considered a progressive. Francis gave San Diego its first cardinal and bypassed the conservative archbishops of San Francisco or Los Angeles.

McElroy was a vocal ally of Francis' pastoral approach on social issues such as the protection of the environment, and more welcoming to gay Catholics.

He has also opposed conservative U.S. clergymen, including President Joe Biden, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, who would ban Catholic politicians from receiving communion due to their support of abortion rights.

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