Vatican: Pope Francis names 17 new cardinals

Source: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/pope-francis-names-17-cardinals-161009143855220.html

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Pope Francis has promoted 17 Roman Catholic prelates from around the world to the high rank of cardinal, including 13 who are under 80 years of age and thus eligible to succeed him one day. Francis, making the surprise announcement during his weekly address, said on Sunday that the ceremony to elevate the prelates, known as a consistory, would be held on November 19.

"Their provenance from 11 nations expresses the universality of the church that announces and is witness to the good news of the mercy of God in every corner of the world," Francis said. The new cardinal-electors, those under 80, come from Italy, the Central African Republic, Spain, the US, Brazil, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Belgium, Mauritius, Mexico and Papua New Guinea.Only one of the 13 cardinal-electors will take on a Vatican job. The others would remain in their posts around the world.