Title: Pope Francis Appoints 21 New Cardinals

Pope Francis announced today, Sunday, that he will confer the title of cardinal on 21 clergymen, marking his influence again on the group that will choose his successor after his death or resignation. During his weekly sermon to Catholic worshippers and tourists, he stated, "The ceremony to confer the title of cardinal, known as the consistory, will take place on September 30." Among the 21 new cardinals, 18 are under the age of 80 and will be eligible to participate in selecting a successor for the Pope, while the appointment of the three others, who are over 80, is a tribute to their long service to the Church. The new cardinals hail from the United States, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, Spain, Colombia, South Sudan, Hong Kong, Poland, Malaysia, Tanzania, and Portugal.