Since becoming pope, he has sought to promote clergy from developing nations far from Rome to the highest ranks of the Church, as part of his general philosophy of diversity and inclusion.
The names Pope Francis announced on Sunday include clergy in regions where Christianity is growing, such as Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Among the archbishops to become cardinals are those of Juba, South Sudan, Cape Town, South Africa, and Tabora, Tanzania. The list also includes bishops from Penang, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
Also to become cardinal is the Italian Claudio Gugerotti, currently prefect for the Dicastery of the Eastern Churches, and Argentina’s Victor Manuel Fernandez, whom Pope Francis chose in July to head of the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Included from Latin America is the emeritus archbishop of Cumana, Venezuela, and a Capuchin priest from Buenos Aires.
The last consistory was held in August 2022, when Pope Francis inducted 20 cardinals.
As of last year’s consistory, Pope Francis had chosen around 90 out of the 132 cardinals eligible to elect a new pope, around two-thirds of the total.
Cardinals, who wear the scarlet robes of their office, serve as the pope’s top advisors and administrators.
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