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
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