Pope Francis' December Consistory: New Cardinals & Key Details
Has Pope Francis reshaped the College of Cardinals, ushering in an era defined by both continuity and profound change? With a consistory scheduled for December 8th, 2024, the pontiff has already made significant strides in shaping the future of the Catholic Church, and his decisions are poised to leave an indelible mark on the papacy.
The Vatican, on October 12, 2024, at 11:00 am, announced the details of Pope Francis' upcoming consistory. Scheduled for December 8th, the liturgy is set to take place in St. Peter's Basilica. This consistory, the tenth of his papacy, will see the creation of 21 new cardinals, representing the church's global diversity. The announcement followed an earlier revelation on October 6, 2024, that a consistory would be held on December 8th to create these new cardinals. As of December 8, Pope Francis will have created 78% of the cardinals who can vote in a conclave, a significant shift in the composition of the body that elects the next pope. This figure underscores the extent to which Pope Francis has influenced the direction of the Church.
One of the most notable appointments is that of 'Fr.' Timothy Radcliffe, a British Dominican and theologian, known for his support of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pope's choices have often reflected his emphasis on inclusivity and pastoral care. The consistory on December 7, 2024, created the new cardinals. The mass of thanksgiving with the cardinals will also be offered on December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Francis has consistently encouraged the men to pray often and to love. At the consistory on December 7, 2024, Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals, with 18 of them being under 80 and thus eligible to vote in a future conclave. Five Italians have been chosen by Pope Francis to become cardinals, further highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the newly appointed prelates.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | 'Fr.' Timothy Radcliffe |
| Nationality | British |
| Religious Order | Dominican |
| Profession | Theologian |
| Known For | Support for the LGBTQ+ community |
| Appointment | Cardinal (among others) |
| Consistory Date | December 7, 2024 |
| Consistory Location | Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica |
| Notable Actions | Pope Francis placing a red biretta on his head |
| Key Characteristics | Emphasis on inclusivity and pastoral care |
| Reference | Vatican News |
The consistory on December 7, 2024, will see the elevation of 21 new cardinals. Out of these, 18 will be under the age of 80, making them eligible to vote in a future conclave to elect the next pope. This selection represents a significant shift in the composition of the College of Cardinals. The Vatican's schedule, published on October 12, 2024, details the liturgy taking place in St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony will include words of greeting, prayer, gospel readings, and a homily by Pope Francis, followed by the proclamation of the names of the new cardinals.
The creation of new cardinals is a significant event in the life of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis's consistories reflect his vision for the Church, one that is more global, inclusive, and focused on the needs of the faithful. With the December 8th consistory, Pope Francis will have named approximately 80% of the men who will elect his successor. This marks a 7% increase from his last consistory in 2023. The consistory underscores the pope's influence on the future of the Church, ensuring that his values will shape the selection of the next pontiff.
The choice of new cardinals, including five Italians, and the emphasis on the Church's global diversity highlights the Pope's commitment to representing the universal nature of the Catholic faith. The upcoming consistory will create new cardinals from all four continents, representing a global perspective. The consistory of December 7, 2024, saw the elevation of 21 new cardinals, in total.
The consistory, which will take place on December 7, 2024, represents Pope Francis's tenth such event. The consistory is scheduled to take place in St. Peter's Basilica. Following the ceremony, the new cardinals will concelebrate mass with Pope Francis the next day. This creates a period of spiritual celebration. Five Italians are among those selected to become cardinals at the December 7 consistory, four of whom are under 80 and thus eligible to vote. After the December 8 consistory, there will be 141 cardinal electors (barring any unexpected deaths). Of these, 111 (79%) will have been appointed by Pope Francis. The consistory will take place on December 7, 2024.
