Pope Francis further consolidated his legacy this Saturday (30), naming 21 new cardinals, five of them Latin Americans. In this way, Francisco increased the percentage of voters chosen by him who will have the right to vote for his successor.
In a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, known as a consistory, Francis “created” 21 new cardinals, the “princes of the Church” with their red hats who will be the pontiff’s closest advisors in the Vatican and around the world.
There are now 137 cardinal electors, around 73% of them chosen by Francis. This increases – but does not guarantee – the possibility that the next pope will share his vision of a more progressive and inclusive Church.
Eighteen of the 21 are under the age of 80 and are therefore eligible under Church law to participate in a secret conclave to elect the next pope following Francis’ death or resignation. They are known as cardinal electors.
The new cardinals are from the United States, France, Italy, Argentina, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Colombia, South Sudan, Hong Kong, Poland, Malaysia, Tanzania, Venezuela and Portugal.
See also: Javier Milei says Pope Francis has an affinity with communists
Source: CNN Brasil
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