In the St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis presided over a ceremony creating 21 new cardinals, emphasizing the importance of unity and humility over the allure of prestige and power. The Pope’s message was clear: to build one’s life on Jesus, the true and only foundation.

A Call to Humility and Service

During his homily, Pope Francis reiterated one of the central tenets of his papacy: eschewing the pursuit of status and fostering humility and fraternity instead. Addressing the new cardinals, he warned against being dazzled by prestige or power and urged them to focus on Jesus as the anchor of their lives.

The Tenth Consistory of Pope Francis

This consistory marks the tenth of Pope Francis’ pontificate. Held in the solemnity and warmth of Advent, the Vatican Basilica was filled with 5,500 faithful witnessing the creation of the new cardinals. From the outset, the theme of unity was prevalent. This was echoed in the homily and in the introductory remarks by the oldest new cardinal, 99-year-old former apostolic nuncio Angelo Acerbi. He emphasized the need for “walking together,” a sentiment expressed in the recent synod as the path to follow. Acerbi spoke of a common desire for peace in a world marred by inequalities, wars, and poverty, referencing the encyclical Dilexit nos as a source of inspiration for pastoral work.

Avoiding the Lure of Prestige

Pope Francis, quoting Manzoni’s “The Betrothed,” reminded the cardinals that the human heart is often in turmoil, susceptible to the seduction of prestige and power. He urged the new cardinals to introspect and ensure their hearts were aligned with the path of Jesus, not strayed by worldly allurements. The Pope called for a “return to the heart,” a concept also recommended by St. Augustine, emphasizing the need to focus on the essential rather than the superficial.

Emulating Jesus’ Path

The Pope outlined the ways to follow Jesus’ example: healing the wounds of humanity, lightening the burdens of the heart, removing the weight of sin, and breaking the chains of slavery. He stressed that being a cardinal is not about isolation but about immersion in the lives of the people, sharing in their struggles and pain. Quoting the Italian cleric Mazzolari, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of active, unfiltered engagement with the world.

Unity Over Competition

Pope Francis warned against the “corrosive competition” that can destroy unity within the Church. He encouraged the new cardinals to seek fraternity and communion, demolishing walls of enmity. This unity, cherished by St. Paul VI, is crucial in a world driven by appearances and the race for the top.

Witnesses of Brotherhood

The Pope concluded by reminding the cardinals, who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to be witnesses of fraternity, builders of communion, and architects of unity. This, he emphasized, is their mission.

New Cardinals from Latin America

Among the newly created cardinals, five hail from Latin America: Carlos Gustavo Castillo Mattasoglio, Archbishop of Lima (Peru); Vicente Bokalic Iglic, Archbishop of Santiago del Estero (Argentina); Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera, Archbishop of Guayaquil (Ecuador); Fernando Natalio Chomali Garib, Archbishop of Santiago (Chile); and Jaime Spengler, Archbishop of Porto Alegre (Brazil). With the addition of these 21 new cardinals, the College of Cardinals now comprises 253 members, 140 of whom are electors and 113 non-electors.

The consistory not only highlights the diversity and global reach of the Catholic Church but also reinforces the Pope’s call for a renewed focus on humility, service, and unity.