The upcoming assembly of cardinals, scheduled for September 30 and known as a consistory, will be the ninth for Pope Francis, 86, who became pope a decade ago and is seeking to put a lasting stamp on the institution. All cardinals under the age of 80, including 18 out of the group named on Sunday, are known as “cardinal electors”, who will participate in the vote to nominate the successor to Pope Francis. Since becoming pope, Francis has sought to elevate clergy from developing nations far from Rome to the highest ranks of the Church, as part of his general philosophy of diversity and inclusion. During the consistory, the future cardinals kneel one by one at the feet of the pope, who places on their heads the quadrangular scarlet cap, or biretta. Following the ceremony, the Vatican holds a traditional “courtesy visit”, in which the new cardinals greet the general public.

Source: Punch July 10, 2023 08:14 UTC