Pope Francis Announces Appointment of 21 New Cardinals

MAY 29 2022·Updated JAN 2 2023

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Image credit: Vincenzo Pinto/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images [via New York Times]

The Facts

On Sun., Pope Francis announced to crowds gathered at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican that he plans to appoint 21 new cardinals, only eight of whom will be from European countries.
Reuters
The rest of the appointees hail from around the world, including developing nations like Ghana and Nigeria, marking a deliberate shift away from a Eurocentric and towards a more global outlook.
nytimes
Controversial appointments include that of Bishop Robert McElroy, from San Diego, which Catholics have criticized due to his progressive stance on the environment, LGBTQ rights and abortion.
Market Watch
Cardinals rank second to the pope in the hierarchy of the Catholic church and act as his closest advisors. They're also responsible for the election of future pontiffs.
nytimes
The new cardinals will be installed on Aug. 27 in a ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
NCR

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The Spin

Right narrative

This is terrible news for Catholics who actually believe in the church's teachings. Appointing a pro-gay, ultra-progressive supporter of abortion like McElroy undermines fundamental truths of Catholicism and shows once again that Pope Francis is letting a political agenda supersede theological beliefs.

American Conservative

Left narrative

It's about time the leadership of the Catholic church reflected the diversity of the congregation in terms of geographics, culture and ideological beliefs. Bishop McElroy is a breath of fresh air with his welcoming of LGBTQ people into the church and refusal to "politicize" Communion by excluding pro-choice politicians. This is a step in the right direction for the Catholic church.