Among the 13 new Cardinals named by Pope Francis today are four male religious, including a former US provincial of the Scalabrinians who was a member of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). These are in addition to the Archbishop of Washington, in whose archdiocese the national office of CMSM is located.
“Today’s appointment of new members of the College of Cardinals is wonderful news,” said Rev. Adam Gregory Gonzales, OCD, president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men.
“Cardinal-designate Gregory has been a good shepherd who often has spoken about the importance of religious women and men in his own life and ministry. The appointment of the first African-American Cardinal, particularly during a time of ongoing racial division in the United States, also is a great moment of joy for our Church and nation.
“In addition, we are grateful that the voice of those in religious life will now be brought forward in a new way through the upcoming Consistory. We take note that three of the new Cardinals, who now will serve in this special way as advisors to the Holy Father, are from the Franciscan tradition: Cardinals-designate Celestino Aos Braco, OFM Cap (Archbishop of Santiago); Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv. (Franciscan guardian in Assisi); and Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap. (preacher for the Papal Household). We also celebrate with the Scalabrinians on the elevation of Cardinal-designate Silvano Tomasi, CS, a former provincial of the St. Charles Borromeo Province, based in New York.
“May God be with each of the new cardinals as they take on this new responsibility for the universal Church.”
