Pope Francis

2024 - 10 - 7

Pope Francis' Holy Power Play: 21 New Cardinals and Peace Prayers!

Archbishop Francis Leo - Catholic Church - College of Cardinals - Dialogue and Peace - Father Timothy Radcliffe - Israel-Hamas conflict - Monsignor Koovakad - Papal Conclave - Pope Francis - Syro-Malabar Church

Pope Francis shakes up the Vatican with 21 new cardinals and addresses peace in the Middle East!

Pope Francis made headlines recently by announcing the elevation of 21 new cardinals during his Sunday Angelus address on October 6. Among these newly appointed cardinals are distinguished figures from around the globe, including the Archbishop of Toronto, Francis Leo, and Father Timothy Radcliffe, a prominent Dominican priest. This momentous decision not only reshapes the balance of power within the College of Cardinals but also reflects Pope Francis’ commitment to inclusivity and representation in the Catholic Church, especially as he welcomes voices from diverse backgrounds.

Among the highlights was the celebration by the Syro-Malabar Church, which rejoiced at the elevation of Monsignor Koovakad to Cardinal, marking a historic milestone for India. His promotion underscores the growing significance of the Indian Catholic community on the world stage. Additionally, the choice of a Ukrainian Catholic Bishop in Australia for this honor resonates deeply amid ongoing conflicts, hinting at Pope Francis' nuanced response to global concerns. Many see this appointment as a strategic move, potentially serving as a diplomatic gesture amid tensions involving Ukraine and Russia.

As the world watches closely, Pope Francis did not shy away from addressing pressing issues in his homily. He has been vocally critical of the international community's 'shameful inability' to mediate the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Following the tumultuous events of the past year, he encourages dialogue and advocates for urgent humanitarian action. His passionate desire for peace manifests in heartfelt prayers, invoking the intercession of Mary to bring solace and calm to a world in turmoil.

As we celebrate the elevation of new cardinals, it’s essential to recognize the weight of Pope Francis' role as a spiritual leader on the global stage. Beyond appointing new officials in the Church, he calls attention to the need for peace and unity in a divided world. This blend of ecclesiastical appointments and heartfelt pleas for peace showcases not just the Pope's intercessory power but also his unwavering commitment to addressing the complexities of our time.

Interestingly, the Archbishop of Toronto, one of the new cardinals, has only served in his role for a short while and is already making waves. Meanwhile, Father Timothy Radcliffe, representing the Dominican order, reminds us that wisdom and guidance come at any age—at 79, he adds a wealth of experience. The fact that Pope Francis has chosen to actively involve diverse regional voices through these appointments could signal a new era in the Church where discussion and inclusion take the front seat!

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Image courtesy of "La Croix International"

Who are the 21 new cardinals chosen by Pope Francis? (La Croix International)

During his Sunday Angelus address October 6, Pope Francis announced the creation of 21 new cardinals. The balance of power within the College of Cardinals ...

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Syro-Malabar Church expresses joy at elevation of Kerala priest ... (The Hindu)

Syro-Malabar Church celebrates Monsignor Koovakad's elevation to Cardinal by Pope Francis, a historic first for India.

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Image courtesy of "The Tablet"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals including Fr Timothy ... (The Tablet)

Dominican priest Father Timothy Radcliffe OP is among 21 new cardinals to be created by Pope Francis at a consistory on 8 December. Fr Radcliffe, 79, who is ...

Pope Francis names Archbishop of Toronto one of 21 new cardinals (CHCH News)

53-year-old Archbishop Francis Leo has served as Archbishop of Toronto since March 2023, and he is the lone new cardinal from North America.

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Image courtesy of "Kyiv Post"

Pope Francis Chooses Ukrainian Catholic Bishop to Become Cardinal (Kyiv Post)

In a move seen by many as a backhanded reprimand, the Pope will promote a young Ukrainian bishop in Australia to cardinal, which might prevent the head of ...

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Image courtesy of "CHVN Radio"

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including archbishop of ... (CHVN Radio)

The Archbishop of Toronto is among 21 new cardinals Pope Francis named Sunday and the lone new cardinal from North America. Archbishop Francis Leo, 53, ...

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Image courtesy of "RCAM - Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila"

Pope Francis names CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop as new ... (RCAM - Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila)

His Holiness Pope Francis announced the consistory of the creation of Cardinals during the Sunday Angelus on October 6. The 21 Cardinal-elects include CBCP ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis Prays Rosary for Peace on Eve of First Anniversary of ... (National Catholic Register)

Rome's largest Marian basilica was packed for the Rosary prayer on Oct. 6 with bishops, cardinals, priests, religious sisters and laypeople.

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Image courtesy of "Deccan Herald"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel-Hamas ... (Deccan Herald)

Francis, has spoken more openly in recent weeks about the Hamas-Israel conflict, and has become more vocal in his criticism of Israel's military campaign.

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Pope Francis slams 'shameful' failure of diplomacy in Mideast (The Hindu)

Pope Francis criticizes world powers for failing to end Middle East conflict, calls for dialogue and peace.

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

'I am close to you,' says Pope to martyred flock in the Holy Land (Vatican News)

Marking one year from the Hamas attacks on Israel that plunged the Holy Land into all-out war, Pope Francis addresses a letter to the Catholics of the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Catholic Review"

As wider war threatens Middle East, pope asks Mary to intercede ... (The Catholic Review)

As fighting in the Middle East intensified and spread, Pope Francis turned to Mary, begging her to "intercede for our world in danger."

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Image courtesy of "OnePeterFive"

Pope Francis Leads the World by Doing the Right Thing (OnePeterFive)

On this first anniversary of the latest violence between Jews and Muhammadans in the Middle East, the Holy Father has asked all Catholics to observe fasting and ...

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Image courtesy of "USCCB"

Powerful impose war on others, world shows indifference, pope says (USCCB)

On the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis urges Christians to be peacemakers, condemns the escalating violence in the Middle East and warns ...

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Image courtesy of "ROME REPORTS TV News Agency"

Francis prays a rosary to Our Lady in Santa Maria Maggiore to ask ... (ROME REPORTS TV News Agency)

Francis went to the papal basilica to pray a rosary, asking for an end to the war, a day before the Gaza conflict reached its one-year anniversary, ...

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Image courtesy of "Angelus News"

Pope: Powerful impose war, world shows indifference (Angelus News)

On the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with all those suffering because of conflicts ...

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Image courtesy of "America Magazine"

Pope Francis to Catholics in the Middle East: Thank you for being ... (America Magazine)

In a letter on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in the Middle East, Pope Francis calls for an end to conflict and a dialogue of peace.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Pope Francis slams world's 'shameful inability' to stop Israel-Hamas ... (Reuters)

Pope Francis criticised on Monday what he called the "shameful inability" of the international community to end the war in the Middle East, one year after ...

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Image courtesy of "Catholic News Agency"

Pope Francis: 'Prayer and fasting are the weapons of love that ... (Catholic News Agency)

In his letter to Catholics in the Middle East, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Pope Francis: 'Prayer and Fasting are the Weapons of Love that ... (National Catholic Register)

In his letter, the Holy Father expressed his closeness with those “who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most often,” suffering as a result ...

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Image courtesy of "National Catholic Register"

Snubs and Surprises: Making Sense of Pope Francis' Latest ... (National Catholic Register)

ANALYSIS: Here are six angles for understanding who the new cardinals are and why Pope Francis might have picked them.

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Image courtesy of "The Pillar"

Why is Pope Francis making so many English cardinals? (The Pillar)

There are roughly four million Catholics in England. And on Sunday, the country gained its fourth cardinal. Cardinal-elect Timothy Radcliffe, ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Pope's diverse choices of new cardinals won't smooth path for ... (Reuters)

When Pope Francis appoints new Catholic cardinals, as he did on Sunday, the move is often described as the pontiff pushing to influence the group that one ...

Pope Francis prepares college of cardinals for next conclave (Religion News Service)

RNS is an independent, nonprofit, and award-winning source of global news on religion, spirituality, and culture. Founded in 1934, RNS seeks to inform ...

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Image courtesy of "The Star Online"

Pope's diverse choices of new cardinals won't smooth path for ... (The Star Online)

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - When Pope Francis appoints new Catholic cardinals, as he did on Sunday, the move is often described as the pontiff pushing to ...

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Image courtesy of "Vatican News"

Cardinal-elect Koovakad is first serving organizer of papal visits to ... (Vatican News)

After Pope Francis announced he would create Indian-born Fr. George Koovakad a Cardinal on December 8, our Editorial Director recalls that there have ...

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