The Roman Catholic Church as gained 20 new cardinals, appointed by the Holy Pope Francis, on Saturday, the Valentines Day. The majority of the newly ordained cardinals are from developing countries.
The new list of cardinals includes men from Ethiopia, Tonga, and Myanmar. 15 out of 20 have not reached 80 years old; hence, are eligible to elect the pope next to Pope Francis. This time around, the electoral body is composed of more non-Europeans than Europeans in an aim of reflecting a global Catholic church community.
David Willey, the BBC Vatican correspondent, said that during the colorful celebration, the Pope has emphasized his determination to alter the balance of authority and power within the Church and transform everything into a more representative denomination.
Some of the most popular appointees include Cardinal Jose Luis Lacunza Maestrojuanan of Panama- an indigenous people protector; Cardinal Francesco Motenegro of Lampedusa- the officiator of the first European landfall of migrants who have crossed the Mediterranean; and Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafia of Tonga- the leader of 17, 000 people who are threatened of losing their homes to climate change.
In January, the Pope also named 19 cardinals, including churchmen from Burkina Faso and Haiti. A Vatican spokesperson revealed that his choice of electing priests from far-flung locations as cardinals is an indicator of his commitment to the poorest of the poor.
During the ceremony, the Pope warned the new cardinals that their titles are not an accessory; therefore, should not be a cause of pride.
Cardinals are representatives of "The Pope's highest-ranking aides in Rome, and around the globe," the Reuters noted.