November 20, 2010. Benedict XVI has presided over a solemn ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica for the creation of 24 new cardinals from around the world. Among them are 15 Europeans, four Africans, two from the U.S., two Latin Americans and one Asian. Four of the new cardinals are over the age of 80 and therefore not eligible to participate in an eventual conclave.


After the names of the new cardinals were read out, a member of their group, Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, thanked Pope Benedict for his confidence in them and said it was an "honor" to work with the Pope in the service of others.

Angelo Amato
Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
"We confirm our feelings of affection, devotion, trust and loyalty. We realize that as members of the College of Cardinals we are called to be at your side in carrying out the Apostolic Ministry entrusted to you."

Benedict XVI said that this new responsibility requires a greater willingness to follow in the way of Jesus. And this path, the Pope said, is not about excercise of power as it is of being of service to others.

Benedict XVI
"This is not the logic of domination or power according to human standards, but the logic of kneeling to wash the feet of others, the logic of service and recalling that the Cross is at the basis of any exercise of authority."

The Pope said his new responsibility in the Church is not the result of a personal design or their own ambition, but a response to God's call

Benedict XVI
"In the Church no one is a boss, but all are called, all are sent, all are helped and guided by divine grace."

After the homily the cardinals swore allegiance and obedience to the Pope and his successors. Benedict XVI gave each of the 24 new cardinals their red hat – or biretta - and a certificate with the name of the titular Church of Rome assigned to each of them. Afterwards there was an exchange of the sign of peace.

The first new cardinal was Archbishop Angelo Amato and the final one was Msgr. Domenico Bartolucci, former director of the Sistine Chapel Choir.

While giving each his red hat, the Pope explained that the color red means a willingness to shed their own blood for the faith, peace, freedom and the spread of the Church.

Afterwards each exchanged the sign of peace.

The conclusion of the consistory events takes place on Sunday at a Mass where each new cardinal will receive his ring – a sign of their union with the Pope. The College of Cardinals is now made up of 203 members of whom 121 are electors or able to vote in conclave.

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