Pope Francis demands humility as he installs 21 new cardinals

On December 7, 2024, Pope Francis officially installed 21 new Roman Catholic cardinals during a ceremony held at the Vatican. This event took place in St. Peter's Basilica, where the Pope presided over a Holy Mass for the Ordinary Public Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals. He placed distinctive red hats, known as birettas, on the heads of the new prelates, urging them to remain humble and to follow the path of Jesus, which he described as a difficult journey rather than a smooth one. This consistory was significant as it increased the number of cardinals eligible to vote in future papal conclaves to 140, of whom 110 had been appointed by Pope Francis himself, showcasing his efforts to diversify and globalize the Church's leadership. During his homily, Pope Francis reminded the new cardinals of the challenges faced by Jesus, particularly highlighting the uphill path that eventually led to his crucifixion. He pointed out that the disciples had expected a triumphant and easy path, which emphasizes the importance of humility and reflection in serving God and the Church. The Pope encouraged the cardinals to reflect on their personal motivations and asked them to examine their hearts to avoid being seduced by power or prestige. He acknowledged the dangers of human zeal overshadowing their spiritual responsibilities. The new cardinals hailed from various parts of the world, including Peru, Argentina, Japan, the Philippines, Serbia, Algeria, and Indonesia. Among them, notable figures include Archbishop Frank Leo of Canada and Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu of Iran, who are seen as embodying Pope Francis' commitment to a more inclusive and global church. Their appointments reflect the universality of the Catholic Church and its mission to promote God's merciful love to all peoples. The installation ceremony followed the conclusion of the Second Session of the Synod on Synodality, which indicates a period of reflection and direction within the Church. This was Pope Francis' first consistory since September 30, 2023, signaling a continued effort to reinvigorate the College of Cardinals, particularly as the Church faces various contemporary challenges. With these new appointments, the Pope seeks to reinforce the bond between the Vatican and the broader local Churches around the world, ensuring that the Church remains relevant and attentive to the needs of its faithful across the globe.