Fr. Raymond J. de Souza: Eight Takeaways From the Pope’s Latest Selection of Cardinals

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Pope Francis arrives for the Ordinary Public Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica on Oct. 5, 2019. (photo: CNA/EWTN)

COMMENTARY: While some of the appointments were expected there were also some surprises, as has been customary during his papacy.

By Father Raymond J. de Souza, EWTN News, July 11, 2023

Father Raymond J. de Souza is the founding editor of Convivium magazine.

The next consistory for the creation of new cardinals has the typical flourishes of Pope Francis. The Holy Father chose three nuncios, reflecting the high priority he gives to the diplomatic establishment, elevated an auxiliary bishop, rewarded the return of Italian control in the Holy Land, comforted a bishop challenged by his people, promoted the traditional curial officials, and passed over various prominent dioceses.

Here are eight takeaways from the Holy Father’s choice of new cardinals.

No Hat for Nicaragua’s John Fisher

When King Henry VIII, well into his tyrannical phase, locked the learned and holy Bishop John Fisher of Rochester into the Tower of London, the pope of the time, Paul III, was deeply grieved. He named Fisher a cardinal in May (1535), hoping thereby to ameliorate his treatment. …

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