What is a consistory of cardinals?21 new cardinals for the universal ChurchPope asks Cardinals for "courage" to achieve "zero deficit" in VaticanPope Francis continues to transform the College of Cardinals with the appointment of new cardinals in a consistory that underscores his commitment to diversity and the "peripheries" of the Church. The 21 new cardinals reflect a strategic focus on youth, global representation and the Pontiff's pastoral priorities.
The Pontiff's homily
In his homily, Francis reflected on the meaning of following the way of Jesus, reminding those present that this is not a journey towards earthly glory, but towards the glory of God, marked by sacrifice and service. "Jesus goes up to Jerusalem. His is not an ascent to the glory of this world, but to the glory of God, which involves the descent into the abyss of death," the Pontiff stressed, underlining that in the Holy City the Lord will give himself on the cross to give new life. In contrast, the Pope pointed to the attitude of the disciples James and John, who asked to sit at the right and left of the Master "in his glory" (Mk 10:37). This contrast, Francis pointed out, reveals "the contradictions of the human heart," something that remains true today.
A call to examine the heart
The Pope invited everyone, especially the new cardinals, to a profound examination: "Where is my heart going? In what direction is it moving? Perhaps I am on the wrong path?" Quoting St. Augustine, he urged those present to "return to the heart," where the image of God dwells, and from there to take up again the path of Jesus.
"To follow the way of Jesus means above all to return to Him and put Him back at the center of everything," Francis explained, warning against being distracted by the superfluous and the urgent. He recalled that even the word "cardinal" refers to the bolt that holds a door, symbolizing that Christ must be "the fundamental fulcrum" and "the center of gravity" of the cardinals' service.
Encounter, communion and unity
The Pope emphasized the importance of a passion for encounter and service to the most vulnerable. "Jesus never walks alone," he said, stressing that He meets those who suffer, lifts up the fallen and wipes away the tears of those who weep. Quoting Fr. Primo Mazzolari, he recalled that "on the road the Church began; on the roads of the world the Church continues".
In addition, Francis urged the cardinals to be "builders of communion and unity" in a fragmented world, reiterating the words of St. Paul VI on the search for unity as the hallmark of true disciples of Christ.
Profile of the new cardinals
Pope Francis' tenth consistory has generated various reflections on his pontificate and the challenges facing the Church today. On this occasion, the Pope has created 21 new cardinals from 15 countries, reflecting once again his interest in a universal and diverse Church, committed to the social and geographical peripheries. This underscores Francis' intention to give visibility to Christian communities in challenging contexts, where faith and social commitment are essential.
Of the 21 new cardinals, 20 will be electors, that is, they are under 80 years of age and can participate in a conclave. With this, the total number of cardinals will be The number of electors will rise to 141. Of those 140, 80 % (112 cardinals) have been appointed by Francis. During 2025, another 13 cardinals will reach the age of 80, leaving 127 electors.
