VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis presided over a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday to install 21 new Catholic cardinals, sporting a visible bruise on his chin, which the Vatican attributed to a minor fall the previous morning.
The 87-year-old pontiff appeared in good spirits despite the purplish mark on the right side of his face. Vatican officials confirmed that the bruise resulted from Francis hitting his chin on a bedside table.
During the ritual-filled service, the pope elevated church leaders from 17 countries to the College of Cardinals, the elite body responsible for electing his successor. The ceremony emphasized the growing geographic diversity within the Catholic hierarchy, a hallmark of Francis’ papacy.
Strengthening Global Representation
Francis, the first pope from the Americas, has prioritized inclusivity and global representation in his appointments. With Saturday’s additions, the number of countries with voting-age cardinals has risen to at least 67, up from fewer than 50 at the start of his papacy.
The new cardinals hail from diverse nations, including Peru, Japan, Algeria, Serbia, and India. Archbishop Ignace Bessi Dogbo of Ivory Coast praised Francis’ efforts, saying the expanded representation reflects the universality of the Church.
“Having cardinals from every part of the world truly translates the universality of the Church,” Bessi Dogbo told Reuters.
Italy continues to lead in cardinal representation, with 17 electors under the age of 80, including four installed on Saturday. Notable appointees include church leaders from Turin and Naples, as well as a Belgian friar in Iran and a Ukrainian Greek Catholic ministering in Australia.
Francis’ Vision for the Church
In his homily, Francis urged the new cardinals to foster unity and fraternity, emphasizing their role as “builders of communion.” His appointments have now shaped approximately 80% of the College of Cardinals, increasing the likelihood of a successor aligned with his vision for a more inclusive and globally engaged Church.
Despite health challenges, including the use of a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, Francis continues to pursue his mission with vigor. The ceremony reinforced his enduring commitment to reshaping the Catholic Church’s leadership and outreach.