Pope Francis has announced the creation of 21 new cardinals in an upcoming consistory on September 30th. Among them, 18 are below the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote in a future conclave. Currently, there are 121 cardinals with voting rights, and Pope Francis has appointed a majority of them, a total of 81.

The addition of these new cardinals will further enhance the international composition of the College of Cardinals. Hailing from various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, they bring diverse perspectives to the leadership of the Church. Notably, Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández from Argentina, the recently appointed prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti from Italy, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches, will assume cardinal status. Additionally, Archbishop Robert Francis Prevost, a US-born prelate who heads the Dicastery for Bishops, will also be among the newly appointed cardinals.

Another prominent figure to receive the cardinalate is Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the current Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The last consistory to create new cardinals took place on August 27, 2022, and this upcoming event signifies the ongoing commitment of Pope Francis to shaping the leadership and representation of the Church in accordance with its global nature.