Pope Francis to appoint 21 new cardinals to expand pool of electors in the Catholic Church

Pope Francis announced the installation of 21 new cardinals in a ceremony scheduled for December 8, marking his 10th consistory since his election 11 years ago. This move significantly increases the size of the College of Cardinals and reinforces Pope Francis' influence on the group. Among the new cardinals is Monsignor Angelo Acerbi, a 99-year-old retired Vatican diplomat and the oldest cardinal appointed, who was previously held hostage in Colombia for six weeks. The choice of new cardinals, including one from Iran, is seen as part of Pope Francis' efforts to promote dialogue between the Catholic Church and Islam, and his overall goal of reshaping the Church's leadership.