The Archbishop of Cape Town, Stephen Brislin, has been appointed a cardinal to Pope Francis, along with 21 other churchmen from around the world. Cardinals are the second-highest position in the church hierarchy and serve as valuable advisers to the pope.
A Global Representation
The newly appointed cardinals hail from a diverse range of countries, including America, Italy, Argentina, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Colombia, South Sudan, Hong Kong, Poland, Malaysia, Tanzania, and Portugal. Eighteen cardinals will participate in the secretive conclave responsible for selecting the next pope, known as cardinal electors.
General Congregations
Three of the appointees, aged 80 or older, will not participate in the voting process but can contribute to pre-conclave gatherings called General Congregations. In these meetings, they can voice their opinions on the type of individual the younger cardinals should select as the next pope.
Inauguration
Stephen Brislin and the other newly appointed cardinals will be officially inaugurated on September 30 during a ceremony known as a consistory, the ninth of its kind since Pope Francis’ election a decade ago as the first Latin American pontiff.
Cardinal Electors
Following the inauguration, the total number of cardinal electors will rise to 137, with Pope Francis having personally chosen 73% of them. The possibility of additional nominations will depend on the pope’s longevity.
Esteemed Church Officials
The full list of cardinal electors under the age of 80 includes esteemed church officials from various countries and holding diverse positions, such as Archbishop Robert Prevost, the American Vatican official and head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Italian Vatican official and head of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, and Archbishop Víctor Fernández, the Argentine Vatican official and head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Honorary Cardinals
Several distinguished figures over the age of 80 have been honored with the title of cardinal, including Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, the Italian former Vatican diplomat, Archbishop Diego Padrón Sánchez, the Venezuelan Archbishop Emeritus of Cumaná, and Father Luis Dri, the Argentine priest.
Church’s Widespread Influence
This diverse group of cardinals is a testament to the church’s widespread influence and the collaborative nature of its decision-making process. Stephen Brislin’s appointment reflects the global nature of the church and serves as a point of pride for South Africa.
