How Pope Francis' 10th Consistory Is Shaping the Future of the Church

How Pope Francis' 10th Consistory Is Shaping the Future of the Church

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has shaped the Catholic Church's future by creating 142 cardinals from 70 countries across nine consistories. On December seventh, he held his tenth consistory, elevating 21 new cardinals and highlighting the Church’s global diversity. Of these, 18 are under 80 and eligible to vote in a future papal conclave.

Among the new cardinals are five Italians, four of whom are under 80 and eligible to vote in the next conclave:

Archbishop Roberto Repole of Turin, 57, participated in both sessions of the Synod on Synodality in 2023 and 2024, contributing to discussions on the Church’s missionary work.

Archbishop Baldassare Reina, 54, is the youngest Italian elevated. This year, he was appointed vicar general of Rome, archpriest of St. John Lateran, and grand chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University.

Father Fabio Baggio, of the Scalabrinians, works in the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and will become titular archbishop of Arusi.

Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples is known for his decades-long dedication to serving the poor and rehabilitating those struggling with addiction.

Archbishop Angelo Acerbi, 99, is the oldest new cardinal, with 50 years of episcopal service, including 40 in Vatican diplomacy.

Following this consistory, the College of Cardinals includes 141 electors, with nearly 80% appointed by Pope Francis.