VATICAN CITY (CNS): In a surprising and unprecedented move, Pope John Paul II named seven new cardinals on January 28 after appointing 37 just a week earlier.
The new nominees included archbishops from Ukraine and Latvia whom the Pope had designated cardinals “in pectore” (in his heart) in 1998, but whose names could not be divulged until now.
Additionally, he named two prelates from Germany, the first black cardinal from South Africa, a Bolivian and the head of the Ukrainian Eastern-rite Church.
Announcing the nominations, the Pope said he recognised that he would be further exceeding the technical limit of 120 cardinal electors, who are under age 80 and eligible to vote in a papal conclave. After they accept their “red hats” at a consistory on February 21, the total number of cardinal electors will be 135.
Barring deaths, the latest appointments will leave the College of Cardinals with a record high membership of 185.
See full list of new Cardinals here
