In a significant event at the Vatican, Pope Francis consecrated 21 new cardinals during a consistory held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. This ceremony, which took place in St. Peter’s Basilica, marks another step in Pope Francis’ ongoing effort to shape the Church’s leadership with his vision of a more inclusive and service-oriented clergy.
The newly appointed cardinals come from various parts of the world, reflecting the universal nature of the Catholic Church, highlighting the global outreach of the Church. Pope Francis, in his homily, emphasized the importance of humility and service, urging the new cardinals to avoid the allure of power and to focus on walking in the path of Jesus, which includes cultivating a passion for encounter and fostering unity.
The ceremony was not just a religious event but also a statement on the direction Pope Francis wishes to steer the Church. His call for the cardinals to “make a difference” by embodying the spirit of Jesus rather than succumbing to worldly competition was particularly poignant. This was further elaborated in the homily where he warned against the temptations of division and stressed the necessity for unity and love within the ecclesiastical family.
This event holds special significance as it increases the number of cardinals who will have a say in electing the next Pope, with Francis having now appointed 80% of the current voting members in the College of Cardinals. With this move, he continues to influence the future direction of the Church long after his pontificat.
