Pope names 21 new cardinals, significantly increasing the pool who will one day elect his successor
Pope Francis has appointed 21 new cardinals, expanding the College of Cardinals and reinforcing his influence on the body that will elect his successor. The new appointees include the oldest, 99-year-old Monsignor Angelo Acerbi, and the youngest, 44-year-old Bishop Mykola Bychok. This selection emphasizes the Pope’s commitment to diversifying the church’s global representation.