consistory 2016

Fans endure long flights, lines to see their new cardinals
- Nov 20, 2016
Hundreds of people from around the world, many of them coping with jet lag from long flights, stood patiently in line on Nov. 19 waiting for their turn to greet, get a picture with or receive a blessing from their new cardinal in the Vatican’s Paul VI audience hall.

By Carol Glatz
American cardinals want examination of conscience on polarization
- Nov 20, 2016
The three newly created American cardinals responded to Francis’s homily during the Nov. 19 consistory, in which the pope said polarization and exclusion are “burgeoning and considered the only way to resolve conflicts.”

By Elise Harris, CNA
Thoughts on the Iowa Caucus of the Catholic Church
- Oct 22, 2016
Although nobody believes there’s going to be a papal election anytime soon, the consistory taking place next month to create 17 new cardinals, 13 eligible to vote, is nevertheless the closest thing the Catholic Church has to the Iowa Caucus, when all the candidates are on display.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Mauritius cardinal confirms that for Francis, ‘last shall be first’ is the rule
- Oct 14, 2016
An Oct. 9 write-up of Piat in a local paper in Mauritus said that when he makes the rounds, “everywhere and always, one feels taken up by the Gospel, by the determination to meet Christ and to walk with him.”

By John L. Allen Jr.
Chicago’s new cardinal embodies the Pope Francis idea of a bishop
- Oct 14, 2016
Chicago’s cardinal-elect is a pastor who identifies strongly with Pope Francis’s vision for the Church. As Archbishop of Chicago, he embodies the pope’s idea of shepherds who know their flock and are there for them — especially in times of suffering and need.

By Mark Zimmermann
Mexico’s newest cardinal blends Francis with Benedict XVI
- Oct 12, 2016
Carlos Aguiar Retes, the Mexican Francis has named as cardinal, has long been a key player in the Latin-American Church and a close collaborator of the future pope. But the Archbishop of Tlanepantla also has a Benedictine streak.

By Inés San Martín