Skip to content

Pope Francis’ 10th Consistory and Its Global Impact

Pope Francis has created 142 cardinals from 70 countries across nine consistories since his election in 2013, profoundly shaping the future of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has profoundly shaped the future of the Catholic Church, creating 142 cardinals from 70 countries across nine consistories since his election in 2013. On December 7, he held his tenth consistory, elevating 21 new cardinals and emphasizing the Church’s global diversity. Of these, 18 are under 80 and eligible to vote in a future conclave to elect the next pope. 

Five Italians have been selected by Pope Francis to become cardinals at the upcoming consistory. Four of them are under 80, meaning they’ll be eligible to vote in the next papal conclave. Here’s a brief look at each:  

  • Archbishop Roberto Repole of Turin is 57 years old. He took part in both sessions of the global Synod on Synodality in 2023 and 2024. He also joined the theological-pastoral forums organized by the Synod of Bishops to reflect on the Church’s missionary work.
  • Archbishop Baldassare Reina, at 54, is the youngest Italian being elevated to cardinal. This year, Pope Francis appointed him vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, archpriest of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, titular bishop of Acque di Mauritania, apostolic administrator of Ostia, and grand chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University.
  • Father Fabio Baggio, a member of the Scalabrinians, is the only one in this group from a religious congregation. He will become titular archbishop of Arusi and has worked at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development since 2017.
  • Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples is well-known for his care for the poor. During his priesthood, he spent over 20 years running a drug rehabilitation center in Calabria.
  • Finally, Archbishop Angelo Acerbi, at 99, will be the oldest member of the College of Cardinals. He has served as a bishop for 50 years and spent 40 of those in the Vatican’s diplomatic service. 
     

After this consistory, the College of Cardinals includes 141 electors, with nearly 80% — 111 in total — appointed by Pope Francis, barring any unexpected changes. 

Adapted by Jacob Stein 

SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

May 7 papal conclave date finalized as cardinals prepare for election

The Vatican announced Monday that the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor will begin on May 7, as the Church enters the final preparatory phase for choosing its 267th pope.

Rejected dean: Vatican veto questions synodality

He leveled several serious accusations against the Vatican, saying the decision not to make him dean “casts doubt on the

Italian actor Roberto Benigni to join Pope Francis for World Children’s Day

Pope Francis will celebrate World Children’s Day with actor Roberto Benigni and soccer star Gianluigi Buffon on May 25-26. Events include a soccer match and a Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of August

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of August is for mutual coexistence.

Pope Francis appoints delegate to resolve Syro-Malabar liturgical dispute in India

Pope Francis has appointed Slovak Archbishop-Bishop Cyril Vasil’ to resolve a decades-long liturgical dispute in the Syro-Malabar Church

Cardinals hold sixth general congregation, confirm 2 electors will not be at conclave

The College of Cardinals held their sixth general congregation on Tuesday morning, confirming two cardinal electors will not participate in the upcoming May 7 conclave due to health reasons.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit