Among the newly named 21 cardinals announced by Pope Francis on Oct. 6, the youngest is 44 years old and the oldest is 99.
The surprise consistory, which will be held on Dec. 8, will, in many respects, be similar to the previous nine consistories during Francis’ nearly 12 year papacy with the new red hats being bestowed to those from the peripheries, rather than major world capitals.
Yet with the ceremony taking place just nine days before his 88th birthday, Francis’ latest power play ensures that the College of Cardinals — whose main job is to elect the next pope — is now overwhelmingly made of clergy of his own choosing.
But who are all the pope’s new men and what will this mean for the next pope?
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With thanks to National Catholic Reporter (NCR) and Christopher White, where this article originally appeared.
