“Pope Extends Invitation to Cardinals from 16 Nations, Urging Unity in the Church”

Creating cardinals from 16 nations, pope asks them to join church ‘symphony’

Pope Francis has recently created 21 new cardinals from 16 nations, urging them to come together like a symphony orchestra, listening to one another and embracing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In a ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on September 30, the pope reminded the new cardinals of the importance of cherishing the wonder and gratitude of having received the Gospel message and the ongoing need for growth in faith.

The College of Cardinals, consisting of 242 members from 91 nations, plays a vital role in the governance of the Catholic Church. They are the pope‘s closest advisors and participate in the election of a new pope. The addition of these new cardinals brings the number of “cardinal electors” – those under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave – to 137.

A diverse representation of the church

The 21 new cardinals come from various parts of the world, including the United States, France, Argentina, and Italy. Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, a Chicago-born prelate, was the only U.S. representative to receive the red hat at the ceremony. He was joined by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the French nuncio to the United States. Notably, the ceremony also included Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri, a 96-year-old Capuchin friar from Argentina, who was unable to attend due to health reasons.

It is worth noting that Italy continues to dominate the cardinal counts, with 49 cardinals, of whom 14 are electors. The United States follows as the second-largest contributor, with 17 cardinals, including 11 electors. This count would increase to 18 if the Italian-born Cardinal Silvano Tomasi, a U.S. citizen and former Vatican official, is included.

A call for unity and collaboration

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the College of Cardinals. Drawing inspiration from the story of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles, the pope urged the prelates to recognize themselves as members of the crowd and to rediscover the gift of having received the Gospel in their own languages. By doing so, they can appreciate the diverse roots of their faith and the role they play in evangelizing others.

The pope used the metaphor of a symphony orchestra to highlight the synodal character of the church. He stressed that every member of the orchestra, like every cardinal, must listen to others and contribute to the harmony and synodality of the church. Mutual listening is essential for the church to function as a harmonious whole and fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel.

Pope Francis also highlighted the role of the conductor in an orchestra, who must listen attentively and guide each musician to develop creative fidelity. Similarly, the pope emphasized that the Holy Spirit, as the master of the church, creates unity and harmony while allowing for individual and collective creativity.

Editorial and advice

The creation of new cardinals is a significant event for the Catholic Church and reflects Pope Francis’ efforts to make the College of Cardinals more diverse and inclusive. By selecting cardinals from different nations, the pope acknowledges the global nature of the church and the importance of representing various perspectives and experiences.

The pope‘s call for unity and collaboration within the College of Cardinals is crucial in fostering a sense of collective responsibility and shared decision-making. In a world that sometimes seems fractured and divided, the church can serve as an example of unity and dialogue.

As individuals and as a community, we can learn from the metaphor of the symphony orchestra. Just as each musician in an orchestra plays their part while listening to others, we must strive to engage in respectful and empathetic conversations that allow different voices to be heard.

In a time when society is often polarized, we should remember the importance of mutual listening and understanding. By truly listening to others, we can find common ground, build bridges, and create a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Furthermore, the notion of creative fidelity resonates with the need for ongoing growth and adaptation within the church. While remaining faithful to the core teachings and values of the Gospel, the church must be willing to evolve and respond to the needs of the times. This requires openness to new ideas, embracing change, and challenging outdated practices and structures.

Overall, the creation of new cardinals and the pope‘s message of unity and collaboration send a powerful message to the Catholic Church and the world at large. By embracing diversity, listening to one another, and fostering a spirit of creative fidelity, we can work together to build a more inclusive, harmonious, and compassionate society.