Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday that he will create 24 new cardinals next month in a key announcement for the Roman Catholic Church, as 20 of them will have the power to elect his eventual successor, AFP reported.
The new cardinals will be formally appointed at a conference of cardinals known as a consistory to be held in Vatican City on Nov. 20-21.
Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., and former archbishop of St. Louis Raymond Burke were the two American clergy among the prestigious appointments.
Cardinal-designate Wuerl, 69, said in a press statement: “This truly is an honor for the Archdiocese of Washington, the Church in the nation’s capital and for all of the clergy, religious and parishioners of this local Church who every day live out their faith in commitment and deep love for Christ. I am humbled by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI’s trust in me as shepherd of this flock and pledge to him my renewed fidelity, affection and loyalty.”
Cardinal-designate Burke, 62, currently heads the Vatican Supreme Court and is expected to be a key figure in Church hierarchy for many years to come, America’s National Catholic Reporter said.
Four of the new cardinals are more than 80 years old and therefore do not have the power to elect the new pope at the next conclave, AFP reported. Following the death of a pope, cardinals are called upon to find a successor. The candidate chosen is usually one of the cardinals.
Some of the more powerful cardinals can also help determine whether the Church will develop in a conservative or reformist direction.
Pope Benedict XVI already held two consistories since the start of his pontificate in 2005, during which 38 new cardinals were created.