What's happened
Pope Francis has appointed 21 new cardinals, expanding the College of Cardinals ahead of a consistory on December 8. This includes the oldest cardinal, 99-year-old Angelo Acerbi, and the youngest, 44-year-old Mykola Bychok, reflecting a diverse global representation, particularly from South America and Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Pope Francis' latest appointments significantly increase the size of the College of Cardinals, with a focus on global representation. The Independent highlights the political implications of appointing Mykola Bychok, the first cardinal from Ukraine, amidst the ongoing war. The New York Times notes that Francis has diversified the College more than any of his predecessors, reflecting the changing dynamics of the Catholic Church. The Japan Times emphasizes the inclusion of cardinals from Asia, particularly Tarcisio Kikuchi from Tokyo, showcasing the church's global reach.
How we got here
Pope Francis has been diversifying the College of Cardinals since his election in 2013, focusing on global representation. This latest appointment continues that trend, particularly emphasizing regions like South America, Asia, and Africa, while also addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
More on these topics
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
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The College of Cardinals, formerly styled the Sacred College of Cardinals, is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. As of 29 September 2020, its current membership is 219. Cardinals are appointed by the pope for life. Changes in life expectanc