The Renewal of a College of Cardinals Always Ready for its Service

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the end of the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis announced the creation of new cardinals and set the date for the celebration of the Consistory as next September 30, just before the opening of the long-awaited Synodal Assembly. This is a very opportune date, given that several of the new cardinals will participate in the Synod and that the imminence of the Synod itself will encourage the participation of other cardinals and bishops arriving for that occasion. Thus, a high and significant moment of ecclesial communion around the Pope and of renewed and continuous edification of the “College” that aid the Pontiff and for the service of the universal Church.

Fullness and variety of the College of Cardinals

This is the ninth Consistory in these now more than 10 years of Francis’ pontificate. There has been one every year except in 2021, likely because of the pandemic. There are 21 new cardinals announced, the same number as last year and the highest number in this pontificate, with as many as 18 cardinal “electors” (i.e. under 80) and three “non-electors.” The College of Cardinals as a whole is thus not only replenished for the gaps created by reason of age and temporarily rejuvenated with a sizeable group of 60- and 50-year-olds, but increased in number, in the sense that by the time of the Consistory it will predictably have 137 electors (out of a total of more than 230 cardinals). The figure of 120, indicated as appropriate by St. Paul VI, is thus significantly exceeded, as indeed was the case several times during the time of St. John Paul II, who reached a maximum of over 140 electors. The College thus appears somewhat “full” today, with well over two-thirds of the electors (99) created cardinals by Pope Francis. Only 39 received the purple in the previous two pontificates. It is the Pope’s responsibility that as time goes by the College does not shrink or weaken, but is always able to exercise its functions, including that of electing the Pontiff.

In regard to the nationality of the cardinals, and  therefore  their geographical distribution, having long since reached a very high level, with about 90 countries represented, the overall variety has not changed appreciably. The only novelty this time is South Sudan, a country that has existed for only a few years; the new Malaysian cardinal is now the only one from his country, but there had been another one before. Also, with regard to the proportion of the presence of the different Continents, there are only slight fluctuations, also made possible this time by the increase in the overall number. Among the voters we will have: 56 Europeans, 17 North Americans, 5 Central Americans, 17 Latin Americans, 22 Asians, 18 Africans, three from Oceania. The absence in a single Consistory of representatives of certain very numerous episcopates is noteworthy, however, it is not surprising. For example, this time there are no Indians or Brazilians, but they were well represented in the Consistory a year ago. The only long-standing trend that can be observed is the expected decrease in Italians, who remain the largest nationality, but far fewer than in the past: they now number 18 electors (while the oldest non-electors number an impressive 34). In short, the internationalization of the College of Cardinals, begun by Pius XII after World War II and carried on gradually by all his successors, is now a largely accomplished fact.

Who are the new cardinals?

At the top of the list of new cardinals – as per tradition – we find three prefects of as many Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, appointed over the past few months. American Robert Francis Prevost, formerly General of the Augustinians and a bishop in Peru during a period of internal tensions in that episcopate, has since April headed the important Dicastery for Bishops, which assists the pope in choosing, appointing and caring for bishops in much of the world. Italian Claudio Gugerotti has been head of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches since January. Formerly undersecretary of that Dicastery, then nuncio to several Eastern European countries – including Ukraine – and finally to Britain, he is unanimously considered a great expert on the Eastern and Slavic world. Argentine Víctor Manuel Fernández was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on July 1, just days before the Consistory announcement. A theologian, former rector of Argentina’s Pontifical Catholic University in Buenos Aires, and appointed archbishop in May 2013 by the pontiff just after his election, Fernández has long been known to be very close to the thinking and feeling of Pope Francis, who has used his advice in the field of theology, in the formulation of various documents and in doctrinal orientations.^[1] His elevation to the purple, almost simultaneously with his appointment to the leadership of a crucially important Dicastery (moreover, a Dicastery now engaged in a phase of renewal), undoubtedly makes this 60-year-old Argentine theologian one of the most prominent figures in the upcoming Consistory. It can also be noted that the entry into office of these three new Prefects who are not yet 70 years old may give impetus to the implementation of the Curia reform designed with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium of March 19, 2022.

The three Dicastery heads were followed by the Pope’s appointment as cardinals of two nuncios of great experience and authority: Swiss Msgr. Emil Tscherrig, nuncio to Italy, and  in the United States, French Msgr. Christophe Pierre. In the past, it was not uncommon for nuncios who had occupied seats of greater importance to be created cardinals at the end of such diplomatic duties. In these two cases, we see that Pope Francis did not wait for this deadline, so that we have cardinals among the nuncios still serving. Moreover, this is also the case of Card. Zenari, nuncio to Syria, who has served through the country’s traumatic  events. Of Card. Tscherrig we would like to recall the period of generous, dedicated and cordial collaboration with Card. Roberto Tucci in organizing the travels of St. John Paul II, before his appointment as nuncio to Burundi, the Caribbean, South Korea and Mongolia, the Scandinavian countries, Argentina – where he met the then Card. Bergoglio – and finally in Italy, where he is the first non-Italian nuncio. Card. Pierre, on the other hand, has been nuncio to Haiti, Uganda, Mexico and finally the United States, where his work as papal representative in a major country that is decisive for the destinies of the world and with a very numerous episcopate, one not without tensions, has been highly appreciated by the Pope. The cardinal appointments of these nuncios constitute an important recognition by Francis of the value of the Holy See’s entire diplomatic service, within the framework of the Church’s mission for evangelization and the good of peoples.

Among the new cardinals directly engaged in pastoral service, some are working in situations that are truly crucial for the future of the Church and the world. The minor Franciscan from Bergamo, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who has served in the Custody of the Holy Land since 1990. Initially as its Custos and then, in 2016, he was appointed apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and in 2020 patriarch. The cardinalate underscores the authority of this figure for the Church in Jerusalem and the Holy Land, where the Franciscan presence has for centuries been a symbol and valuable factor of Gospel witness, dialogue, reconciliation and peace.

In South Sudan, the archbishop of the capital Juba, Stephen Ameyu Mulla, is an apostle of reconciliation and dialogue in a country recently born to the world (2011), but from its origins troubled by violent and never resolved conflicts.^[2] We know how personally involved Pope Francis has become in supporting reconciliation and peace talks, going so far as to personally travel to the country, as he has long desired, in February this year, along with Anglican Primate Justin Welby and Church of Scotland Moderator Iain Greenshelds. The creation of Card. Mulla is indicative of the characteristic care and solidarity that the Church owes to suffering peoples awaiting peace.

The elevation to the cardinalate of the bishop of Hong Kong, Chinese Jesuit Stephen Chow Sau-yan, also directs our gaze to a very important strategic location for the Church. The relationship with China is rightly at the heart of the Pope’s attention, and the Church in Hong Kong, by its very location, naturally plays a bridging role. It is no coincidence that some of its previous bishops had been created cardinals. The current bishop, by experience and ability, seems able to make a valuable contribution to moving the dialogue forward with prudence and confidence. The excellent result of his recent trip to Beijing last April is an encouraging sign.^[3]

In addition to Hong Kong, two major metropolises on other Continents are also seeing their pastors elevated to the purple. The Archbishop of Bogotá, Luis José Rueda Aparicio, has considerable direct pastoral experience behind him as a priest, trainer and bishop, and has been at the helm of the Church in the Colombian capital since 2020 and currently also of the Bishops’ Conference, which is engaged in dialogue to pacify the country after long years of guerrilla warfare. The Archbishop of Madrid, Jose Cobo Cano, receives the purple shortly after being placed at the head of the Church in the Spanish capital, of which he was already auxiliary bishop, in June of this year. He is one of the youngest of the new cardinals. In addition to his considerable pastoral experience, one may recall his service as head of the Secretariat of the Bishops’ Conference for Migration, a burning issue in the country.

Other bishops from different Continents are also created cardinals. In Africa, we have the Archbishop of Cape Town, Msgr. Stephen Brislin, also a leading figure in the South African Bishops’ Conference; and Msgr. Protase Rugambwa, appointed last April as coadjutor archbishop of Tabora, Tanzania, after serving in Rome as secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

In Asia, we have the Archbishop of Penang, Malaysia, Msgr. Sebastian Francis, currently president of the Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. In Latin America, we have the Archbishop of Córdoba, the Argentine Jesuit Msgr. Miguel Ángel Rossi, well known and respected by the Holy Father and his friend, who is particularly committed to the service of the poor, having founded in Buenos Aires the Hogar San José for homeless people, and later the Manos Abiertas Foundation for the assistance of poor and vulnerable people in various cities of Argentina.^[4] In Europe, we have the Archbishop of Łódź, Msgr. Grzegorz Ryś, educator, historian, former auxiliary of Krakow and involved in the canonization process of St. John Paul II. He was recently noted for the introduction and promotion of the permanent diaconate in his diocese. In France, we have the bishop of Ajaccio, Corsica, Msgr. François-Xavier Bustillo, a Conventual Franciscan, who was born in Pamplona, Spain, but spent almost all of his religious life in France, finally being appointed as bishop of Ajaccio in 2021. He has made a committed start to his pastoral visit to the island, which in a sense can be considered one of those “peripheries” to which the pope gladly directs his attention. He is also the author of highly praised books, one of which was recently donated by the Pope to all apostolic nuncios,^[5] a clear sign of harmony.

Surprises and messages

Two new cardinals were somewhat of a surprise. First and foremost is the youngest among them,^[6]   49-year-old Portuguese Américo Manuel Alves Aguiar, auxiliary bishop of Lisbon, who was responsible for organizing the World Youth Day held in Lisbon, and for that reason is well known to the Holy Father and enjoys his confidence. Considered a capable organizer and communications expert, he welcomed the Pope to Lisbon in early August along with Cardinal Patriarch Manuel Clemente. Finally, Pope Francis created Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, senior rector of the Salesians, who was elected Don Bosco’s successor in 2014 and confirmed for an additional six-year term by his confreres in 2020. A Spaniard and an expert in youth ministry, from 2009 to 2013 he was superior of the Salesian Province of Southern Argentina, based in Buenos Aires, while Jorge Mario Bergoglio was archbishop. Again there is a long relationship of acquaintance and appreciation on the part of the Pope. The fact, however, that a sitting Superior General is created cardinal is out of the ordinary. Upon hearing from the Pope, the senior rector then made it clear that he will remain at the head of his religious congregation for one more year. He will resign in July 2024, and the Salesians, under the Vicar’s guidance, will prepare for the General Chapter, which will elect his successor in 2025. When his service as major rector ends, Card. Artime will be available to the Pope for new tasks.

As has generally been the case for many years now, the Pope also decided to appoint three distinguished clergymen who, having passed the age of 80, will not enjoy the right to enter the Conclave, yet join the College of Cardinals. However, these choices are also significant. The first concerns Msgr. Agostino Marchetto, who in his long career was apostolic nuncio to Madagascar, Tanzania and Belarus; then, upon returning to Rome, he was secretary of the then Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. In 2010, at the age of 70, he asked to retire from the post in order to devote himself more fully to historical studies, which he has always loved, particularly regarding the Second Vatican Council, on whose interpretation he has taken very clear positions, without shying away from debate. The Pope, who knows him very well also because of his frequent cohabitation in past years at the International House “Paul VI” (in Rome, Via della Scrofa), has expressed several times his esteem for Msgr. Marchetto’s authority as an “exegete of the Council.”

The second choice concerns Venezuelan Bishop Diego Rafael Padrón Sánchez. He was auxiliary of Caracas, then bishop of Maturín and archbishop of Cumaná; he was also elected president of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference for two successive terms, a sign of great appreciation by his brethren in the episcopate. In his priestly and pastoral zeal, he now serves as a parish priest. A fine example, to which we can add that his appointment will not fail to be a comfort to the Church in Venezuela and to his own country, so troubled in recent decades.

Finally, Pope Francis created cardinal the 96-year-old Argentine Capuchin Luis Pascual Dri, who still continues his service as confessor at the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Pompeya in Buenos Aires. It is known to all how many times the Pope has recalled the importance of the ministry of sacramental reconciliation as an expression of God’s mercy, always ready to welcome and forgive. This elderly religious, almost a hundred years old, who still spends three hours every day in the confessional, is a splendid example of this for the whole Church, and Pope Francis has called him the “icon of the confessor.”^[7]

This brief review, quick as it is, cannot fail to arouse feelings of gratitude and admiration. In these 21 figures, and in the College of Cardinals as a whole, the variety of services and commitments for the good governance of the universal Catholic Church and for its pastoral and evangelization mission is expressed. The celebration of the Consistory in sequence with the opening of the Synod will well express the intimate connection and integration between collegiality and synodality in the constitution and governance of the Church. The community of believers is always on a journey, guided by the Spirit of the Lord, and the Pope is the primary servant of its unity, but he does not perform this service alone. The College of Cardinals, made up of people of his proven trust, is called to support him in his service and to be truly co-responsible for the continuity of St. Peter’s ministry through his successors.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32009/22072446.1023.6

^[1].     On the occasion of Msgr. Fernández’s appointment as Prefect, the Pope wanted a letter addressed to him to be published, in which he states very strongly that the main task of the Dicastery is “to safeguard the faith,” positively promoting “the intelligence and transmission of the faith at the service of evangelization,” and that the Prefect must devote his energies to this as a priority. The letter should be understood in light of the “motu proprio” Fidem servare (Feb. 11, 2022), by which Pope Francis had reorganized the Dicastery, refocusing its purposes and establishing two distinctly separate Sections – doctrinal and disciplinary – with two separate Secretaries. In recent decades, the exercise of the disciplinary competencies attributed to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, especially in the field of sexual abuse, had so burdened the work of the Dicastery that its main task of “custody of the faith” had been obscured, so that a reorganization was necessary. See the text of the Pope’s Letter in Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office, July 1, 2023.

^[2].     Cf. A. Spadaro, “South Sudan Seeks Fathers. A conversation with Msgr. Christian Carlassare,” in Civ. Catt. 2023 II 476-489.

^[3].     Cf. Id., “A Workable Bridge. Interview with Msgr. Stephen Chow S.I., bishop of Hong Kong,” in Civ. Catt. 2023 II 373-379.

^[4].     May we be reminded that Jesuit Fr. Diego Fares, later called to Rome to serve in our magazine, was later responsible for these works for the poor until his untimely death in July last year.

^[5].     Cf. F.-X. Bustillo, Witnesses, not officials. The priest within the changing times, Vatican City, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2022.

^[6].     The youngest cardinal remains Giorgio Marengo, created last year, born in 1974, apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where the Pope visited in late August.

^[7].     See interview in Avvenire, July 12, 2023.