Pope Francis' Cardinals: Impact On The Church After 2024 Consistory
Has Pope Francis reshaped the College of Cardinals to such an extent that his influence will be felt for decades to come? The appointment of 21 new cardinals, announced in the late months of 2024, with the consistory scheduled for December 8th, solidifies Pope Francis's legacy and significantly alters the composition of the group that will one day elect his successor.
The recent consistory, a gathering of cardinals, has profound implications for the future of the Catholic Church. Following the 2024 consistory, a staggering 110 (79%) of the cardinal electors were appointed by Pope Francis himself. This dominance is further accentuated by the fact that all but one of the new cardinals are under the age of 80, making them eligible to vote in a future papal conclave. This strategic move drastically increases the size of the College of Cardinals and further cements Pope Francis's vision within the highest echelons of the Church. The consistory on December 8th, 2024, is a pivotal moment in the pontificate, one that will likely shape the Church for years to come. With this consistory, Pope Francis has essentially "armored" the College of Cardinals for several years, ensuring that his influence on the Church continues long after his papacy concludes. As of April 21, 2024, 80% of the 135 voting members were appointed by Pope Francis.
The demographics of the College of Cardinals are also shifting. The average age of the papal conclave is just under 70.5 years old, and the inclusion of cardinals from diverse backgrounds marks a distinct departure from the past. Pope Francis has prioritized a more inclusive approach, as evidenced by the appointment of cardinals from 25 countries that had never before had one. He has consistently prioritized inclusion within the Vatican, promoting a welcoming church and even supporting LGBTQ+ ministry, which appears to be an increasingly important factor in becoming a cardinal.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Frank Leo |
| Position | Archbishop of Toronto |
| Appointment Date | December 8, 2024 (Consistory) |
| Background | Ordained as a priest in 1998 for the Archdiocese of Toronto. Has held various positions within the archdiocese before becoming Archbishop. |
| Key Initiatives/Focus | Inclusion, Dialogue with Society |
| Reference | Archdiocese of Toronto Official Website |
The choice of new cardinals also reflects a broader global perspective. The new cardinals include representatives from 11 religious orders and various regions, including four from Asia and one from Iran, reflecting the Pope's vision of a Church engaged in dialogue with the world. Among them are Frank Leo, the Archbishop of Toronto. Timothy Radcliffe, former Master of the Dominicans, is another prominent figure.
It's worth noting that the appointments represent a significant departure from the composition of the College of Cardinals at the beginning of Pope Francis's papacy. In 2013, when Pope Francis was elected, 57.9% of the cardinal electors had been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. An additional 42.1% were appointed by Pope John Paul II. Now, however, the landscape is drastically altered, with Pope Francis's influence clearly paramount. The shift demonstrates the transformative power a pontiff has in shaping the future of the Church. In 2022, the number of voting-age cardinals born in the U.S. had dropped to nine, compared to eleven when Pope Francis was elected in 2013.
This is not just about numbers; it's about a shift in the Church's focus. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the importance of reaching out to the marginalized and embracing a more pastoral approach. The choice of cardinals often reflects these priorities. For example, Pope Francis has appointed cardinals from 25 countries that had never before had one.
The consistory on December 8, 2024, is another example of this trend. The Pope announced the creation of 21 new cardinals during his Angelus address on October 6, 2024. Among them are figures who are seen as key to his reform agenda. With the consistory approaching, the Church is poised for further evolution under Pope Francis's guidance, a transformation whose ramifications will echo for many years to come.
The importance of this consistory also stems from the fact that the new cardinals will be tasked with electing the next Pope. As a result, the choices made by Pope Francis now will have a direct impact on the future direction of the Church. The majority, 108, were appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by Pope Benedict XVI, and five by Pope John Paul II. This is a testament to Pope Francis's transformative influence within the Church.
| Key Data Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Announcement | October 6, 2024 |
| Date of Consistory | December 8, 2024 |
| Number of New Cardinals | 21 |
| Number of Cardinal Electors Appointed by Francis | 110 (79%) |
| Number of Cardinal Electors Appointed by Benedict XVI | 24 (17%) |
| Number of Cardinal Electors Appointed by John Paul II | 6 (4%) |
| Average Age of Papal Conclave | Just under 70.5 years old |
| Number of Voting Cardinals appointed by Francis (as of April 21, 2024) | 108 (80%) |
| Voting Age Cardinals from the U.S. in 2022 | 9 |
The appointment of the new cardinals is more than just a numbers game. The selections themselves reflect the current pontiffs priorities and preferences. Pope Francis made the surprise announcement on Sunday, October 6, during the Angelus prayer. He has demonstrated a clear determination to reshape the group of churchmen who will elect his successor. The inclusion of figures from various religious orders and regions underscores this vision. This significant increase in the size of the college of cardinals further cements Francis' mark on the group of prelates who will one day elect his successor.
In contrast, when Francis was elected Pope in 2013, the composition of the College of Cardinals was vastly different. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, had appointed 57.9% of the cardinal electors, while Pope John Paul II had appointed 42.1%. The shift reflects the strategic vision of Pope Francis, and his commitment to reshaping the Church. The shift also underscores the importance of papal appointments in shaping the direction of the Church.
In St. Peters Basilica on Saturday, Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals, urging them to resist the "seduction of power." Pope Francis announced that he will create 21 new cardinals on December 8, and the appointments of the new cardinals is a strategic move. There is also a special case in the diocese of Rome, as Pope Francis appointed Bishop Paolo Ricciardi as the bishop of a small Italian diocese.
This is a crucial moment in the history of the Catholic Church. The choices made now will influence the church for decades, as it is an important time to have a glimpse of the current state of the church as well as its future.
