http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/06/28/pope-appoints-14-new-cardinals.html

Pope appoints 14 new cardinals

Pope Francis appointed 14 new cardinals, a diverse selection from all over the world including Iraq, Pakistan, Madagascar and Japan.

1 of the new 14 cardinals being under 80 years of age. They would be eligible to take part in the event of a conclave to name a new pope.


Pope gradually shapes a less European college of cardinals whose members are often committed to peace or social justice.

Among the new "princes" of the church  will be Iraq's Louis Sako who has often met Pope Francis to discuss the situation in the war-torn country and the plight of the dwindling Christian community.

."It's is our land, we were here before the arrival of Muslims", says Sako who advocates "dialogue" and challenges "a vision of a uniquely Islamic nation".

"The people in Toamasina in Madagascar are suffering and need support.

As well as having the key role of choosing a new pope, cardinals often also hold the highest administrative offices in the church.

Pope Francis is the first head of the church from Latin America.

He  is 81 and was named in 2013 after his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI stood down citing advancing age.