Pope Francis' Cardinals: Servant Leaders & December 8th Consistory - Latest
Will the upcoming consistory mark a turning point for the Catholic Church? Pope Francis's expressed desire for the new cardinals to be "servants" rather than "eminences" suggests a deliberate shift towards a more humble and pastoral approach within the College of Cardinals.
The anticipation builds as the Vatican prepares for a significant event. During the Angelus, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced a consistory for the creation of new cardinals. This announcement sets the stage for a day of profound significance for the global Catholic community. "And now, I am pleased to announce that on December 8th, I will hold a consistory for the appointment of new cardinals," declared the Pope, his words echoing with the weight of tradition and the promise of renewal. The Holy Father emphasized that the origins of the new cardinals reflect the universality of the Church, which continues to announce God's word to all. The announcement came after the Sunday Angelus, with the date of the consistory set for December 7th, 2024, within the hallowed grounds of the Vatican.
The act of becoming a cardinal is, in essence, a profound summons to center one's life on Jesus, to emulate His love for the less fortunate, and to fortify the bonds of unity within the Catholic Church. This sentiment, expressed by Pope Francis, underscores the profound responsibilities and spiritual obligations inherent in the cardinalate. This consistory, scheduled for December 8th, will see the creation of 21 new cardinals, representing the diverse geographical landscapes of the Church across the globe. This underscores the Popes commitment to ensuring that the College of Cardinals reflects the true diversity of the Catholic faith.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Timothy Radcliffe |
| Nationality | British |
| Order | Dominican |
| Profession | Theologian |
| Notable for | Support for LGBTQ+ rights |
| Appointment as Cardinal | December 8, 2024, Rome |
| Consistory Details | Pope Francis to create 21 new cardinals |
| Voting Rights | Eligible to vote in conclave |
| Special Permission | Not required to be consecrated a bishop |
| Source of Information | Vatican News |
Among the many names being added to the College of Cardinals, is that of Dominican Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, a theologian known for his progressive views. Pope Francis's announcement of the consistory on December 8th, promises to introduce 21 new cardinals from all four continents. A mass of thanksgiving will be offered by the Pope with the cardinals on the same day, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In a letter, the Pope encouraged the men to pray often and to love.
The upcoming consistory is particularly noteworthy because it will see the elevation of five Italians to the cardinalate. Of these, four are under the age of 80, making them eligible to vote in the next conclave to elect a new pope. Furthermore, the Vatican City itself is preparing for the momentous occasion, with the consistory scheduled for December 7th. The new cardinals will concelebrate mass with Pope Francis the following day.
The selections made by Pope Francis are not without implications. As of December 8th, he has created 78% of the cardinals who can participate in a conclave, highlighting the significant influence he has had on the composition of the body that will one day elect his successor. The selection of individuals like Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, known for his support of LGBTQ+ rights, reflects the Pope's ongoing efforts to make the Church more inclusive and welcoming.
On October 6, 2024, Pope Francis revealed his decision to hold a consistory on December 8th to create 21 new cardinals. Of these, 20 will be eligible to vote in a conclave. The date also holds significance as the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The Vatican has also published the schedule for the consistory, with the liturgy set to take place on December 8th in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
The selection of cardinals has geographical implications as well. The consistory on December 8th will see the creation of 21 cardinals representing the diverse geographical makeup of the Catholic Church. This is consistent with Pope Francis's emphasis on the universality of the Church. While the reasons for these appointments are complex, one visible impact will be on the representation of the United States within the College of Cardinals. The American presence will decrease at the December 8th consistory, falling to 7% from 8.2% today, and from 9.4% in 2013.
The priest appointed to become a cardinal at the December 8th consistory in Rome has received special permission not to be consecrated as a bishop, which is usually a requirement for cardinals. This exception underscores the unique circumstances and considerations involved in these appointments. Pope Francis personally placed a red biretta on the head of the new cardinal Timothy Radcliffe during the consistory, marking this important moment in the life of the Church.
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