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PDF versionTalk in Rome turns to new cardinals in 2010
by John L Allen Jr on Feb. 08, 2010
[updated]
Despite a recent boomlet of conjecture about a consistory in late February or early March, the consensus in Rome these days seems to be that Pope Benedict XVI isn’t likely to create new cardinals until sometime later in 2010, perhaps as late as November. Between now and then, several other major events loom on the pope’s calendar: Trips to Malta in April, Portugal (Fatima) in May, Cyprus in June and the United Kingdom in September, as well as a Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in October.
As of today, there are a total of 182 cardinals, of whom 111 are under the age of 80 and hence eligible to vote for the next pope. In March, three more cardinals will turn 80, followed by one each in July and August, three more in September, and one each in October and November. Hence if Benedict XVI waits until November, there would be at least 19 slots for new voting cardinals – presuming, as most do, that Benedict intends to honor the limit of 120 set by Pope Paul VI.
Two of the ten cardinals who will “age out” in coming months, by the way, are Americans: Theodore McCarrick of Washington and Adam Maida of Detroit, both now retired.
While popes are free to make anyone they want a cardinal, in general the bulk of these nominations are fairly predictable, since there are certain jobs in the church with which a cardinal’s “red hat” is more or less automatically associated. Given that the last consistory came in November 2007, the list of these “cardinals in waiting” has become fairly long.
For the moment, that list among residential prelates would include:
• Archbishop Paolo Romeo, Palermo, Italy
• Archbishop Giuseppe Bettori, Florence, Italy
• Archbishop André-Joseph Léonard, Brussels, Belgium
• Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Westminster, Great Britain
• Archbishop Timothy Dolan, New York
• Archbishop Donald Wuerl, Washington, D.C.
• Archbishop Orani João Tempesta, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
• Archbishop Braulio Rodríguez Plaza, Toledo, Spain
• Archbishop Carlos Osoro Sierra, Valencia, Spain
• Archbishop Juan José Asenjo Pelegrina, Seville, Spain
• Archbishop Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, Bangkok, Thailand
• Archbishop Joseph Ngô Quang Kiêt, Ha Noi, Vietnam
• Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Archbishop Kazimierz Nycz, Warsaw, Poland
• Archbishop Willem Jacobus Eijk, Utrecht, The Netherlands
• Archbishop Reinhard Marx, Munich and Freising, Germany
• Archbishop Thomas Collins, Toronto, Canada
[Note: Collins of Toronto was ommited in the original post.]
There’s also a slew of Vatican officials in a holding pattern to join the College of Cardinals, including:
• Archbishop Angelo Amato, Congregation for the Causes of Saints
• Archbishop Velasio De Paolis, Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See
• Archbishop Raymond Burke, Apostolic Signatura
• Archbishop Fortunato Baldelli, Apostolic Penitentiary
• Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, Pontifical Council for Culture
• Archbishop Antonio Maria Vegliò, Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples
• Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers
• Archbishop Francesco Monterisi, Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls
Adding them all up, that’s twenty-five potential cardinals, all of whom hold positions that carry a reasonable expectation of one day becoming a cardinal. That’s not even allowing for the possibility that Benedict XVI may want to bestow the red hat upon a deserving diocese that’s not traditionally had one, as he did last time by elevating Daniel Di Nardo of Houston. Candidates this time around might include: Colombo, Sri Lanka, where Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith is a longtime friend and collaborator of the pope; perhaps the new Archbishop of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, as a gesture of solidarity to that devastated nation; or somewhere in Africa, as a recognition of the phenomenal growth on the faith on that continent.
The total of twenty-four also does not account for the likelihood that Benedict XVI will have to make some additional high-profile Vatican appointments throughout 2010, including successors to cardinals who are already past 75 but still in charge of important offices such as the Congregations for Bishops, Clergy and Religious, as well as the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. If the new heads of these offices are not already cardinals, they too will claim a place in line.
Given the math, it seems likely that some of these “cardinals in waiting” may have to wait a bit more – for example, in a case in which the retired cardinal is still around and still active, or a case such as Spain in which naming three new cardinals at once might seem excessive.
In terms of the United States, three names may seem conspicuous by their absence from the list of “cardinals in waiting”: the recently appointed archbishops of Baltimore, Detroit and St. Louis, all three archdioceses which at one point or another were considered “red hat” assignments. The consensus wisdom, however, is that since the United States is already over-represented in the College of Cardinals (the U.S. is only the fourth largest Catholic country in the world, but it has the second largest number of cardinals after the Italians), and given shifts in the Catholic population in America, those three dioceses may well no longer be led by cardinals.
If Benedict XVI feels he has to choose which new American cardinal to name first – New York or Washington – many observers believe it will be Dolan in New York. Strictly speaking, Wuerl in Washington has been in the queue longer, but New York is among that handful of “mega-dioceses” around the world – meaning large, highly visible dioceses, considered crucial for the country and the region – where the Vatican typically wants a cardinal to be at the helm.
Moreover, Washington is also an unusual case in that not just one, but two, emeritus cardinals are still in the background: McCarrick and William Baum, now 83. On the other hand, given Benedict XVI’s affection for the United States, it’s possible that the next consistory could include at least three Americans: Dolan, Wuerl, and Burke.
Benedict’s last consistory came in November 2007, when he named 18 new voting cardinals as well as five “honorary” cardinals, meaning figures already over the age of 80. The latter are sometimes the most interesting, if only because they’re the least predictable, not being tethered to any particular diocese or Vatican position.
One wild-card possibility this time around: Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, the former Superior General of the Jesuits, who will be 82 on Nov. 30. It’s well known around Rome that Kolvenbach and then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger enjoyed a close personal relationship, and given Benedict’s efforts to heal the perceived breach between the papacy and the church’s flagship religious order, this might be another way of extending an olive branch. It’s a bit dicey, because Jesuits are not supposed to seek ecclesiastical honors, but of course John Paul II made various Jesuits cardinals, and Benedict XVI has included one Jesuit among the non-voting cardinals in each of his two consistories: Albert Vanhoye, former secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, in 2006, and Urbano Navarrete Cortés, former rector of the Gregorian University, in 2007.
Very interesting article.
Very interesting article. Given the situation with the Jesuits, I am not so sure the Pope will award Fr. Kolvenbach the red hat. I'm not even sure if Archbishop Wuerl will get the red hat, either. the Mass at Nationals Statidum during the papal visit to Washington a couple of years ago didn't go over very well. Moreover, Wuerl's seeming reluctance to confront so-called Catholic politicians on their stances on abortion has also been disappointing. I wouldn't be surprised if he was passed over, at least this time.
I do agree that there are
I do agree that there are reasons why Wuerl may get passed over for the red hat, but I thought the Archdiocese of DC did a wonderful job of hosting the pope's visit. I was at the Mass at Nationals Stadium, and found it to be a beautiful liturgy. I'm wondering why you say it "didn't go over very well."
Very interesting indeed....
Very interesting indeed....
TNCath on Feb. 08, 2010. You
TNCath on Feb. 08, 2010.
You stated:
"Very interesting article. Given the situation with the Jesuits, I am not so sure the Pope will award Fr. Kolvenbach the red hat. I'm not even sure if Archbishop Wuerl will get the red hat, either. the Mass at Nationals Statidum during the papal visit to Washington a couple of years ago didn't go over very well. Moreover, Wuerl's seeming reluctance to confront so-called Catholic politicians on their stances on abortion has also been disappointing. I wouldn't be surprised if he was passed over, at least this time."
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My friend's husband and his college students were the only ones given permission to video-tape the entire Liturgy (and to be only feet from Pope Benedict). There was nothing seen there which would show that "the papal visit to Washington didn't go over very well." It seems to me that this is just an individual's perception.
Secondly, Archbishop Wuerl is known for his balance. Being Archbishop of Washington, DC is no place for 'hotheads.' He will get the red hat!
The commentary by the late
The commentary by the late Father Richard John Neuhaus provides a very good perspective on what went wrong at the papal Mass at Nationals Stadium in Washington.
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2008/04/friday-of-good-shepherd-s...
Cardinal Ambrozic (retired)
Cardinal Ambrozic (retired) in Toronto has now turned 80 as well. Archbishop Collins might therefore also be on your list
Yes, the absence of a
Yes, the absence of a Canadian on that list is glaring. But, pray God that, rather, Archbishop Terence Prendergast of Ottawa will be elevated. He is such a holy, capable, devoted bishop and servant of the Church. He is the most prudent and yet zealous person I know. Yes, Ottawa has never had a Cardinal, but it would be so good for Canada if this were to be so. I have a hunch that the Holy Father knows all of this and that is why he translated Archbishop Prendergast from Halifax to Ottawa.
Since the cardinalate is
Since the cardinalate is completely unscriptural, and the bonkers arguments used against women priests cannot apply, it would be a salutary idea for the Pope to appoint some women cardinals. Not honorary ones, real live voting ones. I'm not holding my breath, but the Spirit blows where She listeth.
I am sure that we can
I am sure that we can discount any Archbishop, Bishop on the list who might remotely be tuned into the 21st century. Church leaders who do not creak when they walk will not be considered for fear that they will live long enough to effect some Christian, compassionate change.
Aren't we missing someone
Aren't we missing someone here ???
RE: TNCath's comment: I was
RE: TNCath's comment: I was at that Mass. Looked fine to me. Everybody seemed quite uplifted; no complaints. What was the problem?
In your paragraph about St.
In your paragraph about St. Louis, Detroit & Baltimore, I would just point out that St. Louis has not had a sitting Cardinal-Archbishop since Cardinal Carberry's retirement in 1979. Archbishop May was passed over. Cardinal Rigali didn't receive the red hat until he was transferred to Philadelphia. Burke is in line now - but only after being transferred to the Roman Curia. As a former St. Louisan, it would be nice to see another red hat in the Rome of the West.
In Baltimore, only 3 of the shepherds in the 20th century (of 6) were Cardinals, so that see city is somewhat spotty as well. And since Cardinal Keeler is still of voting age until March 2011, I doubt seriously if Baltimore will get red hat this time around.
Detroit, on the other hand, has had every one of its Archbishops receive the red hat ever since it became an Archdiocese in 1937. With 50% more Catholic population than St. Louis and Baltimore combined, I could see Abp Vigneron being elevated this round and St. Louis & Baltimore having to wait one more time.
One other interesting side
One other interesting side note.Cardinal Roger Mahoney of Los Angelos turns 75, this year. The rumor mill has a Coadjutor Archbishop appointed this spring.It seems reasonable that this person would wait for another consistory. However, if the person appointed was another archbishop (possibly Latino ) from another large archdiocese, who knows?
Does the church actually need
Does the church actually need this extra level of do-nothing government?
How interesting indeed !!
How interesting indeed !!
I would have no problem with
I would have no problem with the down-grading of Baltimore, St. Louis and Detroit. Likewise, there is little justification for so many Cardinals in Rome on the basis of "that's the way it's always been." I certainly agree that Dolan has to get a red hat soonest.
As for any others, let's consider the purpose of Cardinals: to elect a new Pope and to provide council to the Pope when asked. I like the idea of new areas of Church growth getting more Cardinals because that's where the Pope needs to be most aware of what's going on. On the other hand, there are many Cardinalates in Europe that there just because they've always been there.
Being from Detroit, I was
Being from Detroit, I was really hope the new Archbishop is granted a Red Hat. I only write because I don't think Archbishop Dolan will receive his Red Hat until at least 2012.
Honestly, isn't it time for
Honestly, isn't it time for some women to be appointed cardinals. I am sure there are many qualified women who could be advisers to the pope. It would be a great gesture on the part of the hierarchy to appoint some Lady Cardinals.
Not likely, since a Cardinal
Not likely, since a Cardinal (unless exempted by the Pope) is required to receive Episcopal ordination when named a Cardinal. So, unless you bring up the argument about female ordinations, having some "Lady Cardinals" is not going to happen and is a moot point.
Dialog from the new movie,
Dialog from the new movie, "The Treasure of the One True Church:"
"Wimmin cardinals? Wimmin cardinals! We don't need no stinkin' wimmin cardinals!"
How about naming two
How about naming two Cardinals in the Philippines? Is this country forgotten?
Female Cardinals? I don't see
Female Cardinals?
I don't see it happening, because Cardinals take the place of the clergy of Rome when electing the Holy Father, and obviously women cannot be priests.
As for the liturgy in DC, the problem was clear -- liturgical abuse.
Those demented souls who
Those demented souls who witter on about the desirability of appointing women cardinals should either get a life or read the Code of Canon Law. Since the coming into effect of Gasparri's codification of the Canon Law in 1918 it has been necessary that any nominee to the Sacred College MUST be a priest in good standing. Prior to that cardinals often were not priests, but were in minor orders. An example of this is Giacomo Antonelli, Pio Nono's Secretary of State.
Mr. Allen seems to have
Mr. Allen seems to have completely bypassed Canada. Except for one archbishop, Toronto has been a red hat See since 1946. As well, it is the largest Archdiocese in Canada and the fifth largest in North America (including Mexico), larger than Baltimore, Detroit, St. Louis etc. As well, the archbishop emeritus of Toronto has now turned 80.
I understand that it is a given that dioceses like New York and Westminster will wait this time for their retired cardinals to reach 80 as did Paris (inter alia) in the consistory before last.
I'd allow for another
I'd allow for another surprise, like DiNardo last time. Wilt Gregory or Chaput? Their sees may be more important than detroit or st. louis.
Baltimore is always going to be the primatial see in the U.S.
Watch Kicanas get Los Angeles as coadjutor.
very interesting
very interesting
Talk about "fiddling while
Talk about "fiddling while Rome burns". When is the Church going to admit that it's top heavy presence with old men at the helm is going nowhere? The real problem is that we have a plurality of Cardinals and bishops who never
really got it when John XXIII said, " I'm going to open some windows in the Vatican and let some fresh air in." Let's stop perpetuating mediocrity and
turn to a well educated laity....male and female. There is no actual restriction on naming cardinals among the laity...or pope for that matter.
If Mr Allen forget those
If Mr Allen forget those places in Asia and Eastern Europe I will possible feel regret...
It has a great high chance that Msgr. Mieczysław Mokrzycki, the archbishop of Lviv of the Latins will create cardinal by the pope this year. It is known that Msgr. Mieczysław served as the personal secretary of John Paul II during 1996 till JPII death. It is remarkable that most holy father would give him a place not only for the wish of JPII, despite there is numerous problems in Ukraine's church, the precedessor Cardinal Marian, is 83, with the problem of health, possible he will pass over the president of the Bishop Conference of Ukraine to Msgr. Mieczysław in the next few months. Indeed, he has a higher chance to become the youngest cardinal in the college of cardinal.
On the other hand, after the death of Cardinal Shirayanagi, there is no cardinal represent Japan, however, several newspapers said the current archbishop of Tokyo- Peter Takeo Okada will possible to create cardinal in this year as he is also represent the church of Tokyo as the President of the Bishop Conference in Japan, through his conservative views it is right that most holy father will choose him to the college.
Nevertheless, Hong Kong still have Cardinal Zen and he is only 77, so Bishop John Tong would not create cardinal in the future.
Let's back to the America: it is right that the Southern part of the U.S. has a larger growth of catholics. So I will guess Archbishop Chaput in Denver would surprisily create cardinal, but it is not immediate. Archbishop Gregory seems to have a less chance because only 6% of the whole region is catholics, this means it does not represent as an important see. But I would hope Archbishop Carlson would create cardinal if he could solve all problems in St. Louis such as the Polish Church...depends if the most holy father would identifly St. Louis as important place.
For the United Kingdom, it is highly that Archbishop Vincent Nichols become cardinal this year not only for the papal visit, also it will be another reason that most holy father would not accept the performance of his precedessor Cardinal Murphy O'Connor on deailing church matters in the UK during his 9 years as Archbishop of Westminster. While it is truly that Ireland might have a new cardinal- Archbishop Diarmuid Martin because of the serious of church abuse, it is not enough to let Cardinal Brady in Armagh to solve all the problems (hence Cardinal Daly has passed away), if there is another cardinal, the matter might be reduced. It might have a slightly chance on Archbishop Bernard Longley, the archbishop of Birmingham to create cardinal due to the thanksgiving for presiding the ceremony for the Beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman.
Can Wilton Gregory get the
Can Wilton Gregory get the red hat?
I believe that the holy see
I believe that the holy see will again offer a surprise....it will be Gregory, Dolan & Burke....and look for Chaput to go to Los Angeles as
coadjutor
The world have seen so many
The world have seen so many changes since Pope Paul VI's decision to limited the number of Cardinal Electors to 120 in 1973. New states and nations were born. Numbers of Roman Catholics all around the world is growing, especially in Africa, Latin America & Asia. I think Pope Benedict XVI should consider to raise the limit number of Cardinal Electors from the current number (120) to 150 or 160 to accomodate these changes and growth. From your article above, we can see that there are more than 25 potential candidates that can be cardinals, but if Pope Benedict XVI decides to make consistory later in this year, only 19 of them that will be given The Red Hat. Too many candidates, limited seats.
Baltimore was the first see
Baltimore was the first see created in the United States; there is no good
reason its Archbishop should not be a Cardinal. One wonders why a good man
such as the recently deceased Archbishop Borders was never made a Cardinal.
Let me save some time; I am not remotely from Baltimore.
Please check this latest
Please check this latest cardinalabili list at: http://popes-and-papacy.com/wordpress/?p=650
The Republic of Malta, a
The Republic of Malta, a member of the European Comunity, is,
practically, the ONLY country in the World that is 100% Roman Catholic,and has been since AD 60 when Saint Paul was shipwrecked here, as documented in the Acts of The Apostles, and converted the inhabitants !!
Yet, Malta has NEVER HAD a Cardinal, consequently is NEVER EVER represented during Conclaves !!
On behalf of thousands of Maltese Catholics, may I ask WHY our Island does not have a "Prince" of the Church !!!???
CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN WHY, PLEASE ???
Thank you
Enzo Gusman
MALTA
the list must include the
the list must include the prudent archbishops of the philippines who fearfully
fight for morality in the country in terms of reproductive bill, euthanasia, and abortion.
archbishop emeritus oscar cruz
archbishop orlando quevedo
and many more
Our Archbishop Most Rev. Dr.
Our Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Albert Malcolm Ranjith deserves this honour of the Holy Mother Church and our prayers for and best wishes to His Grace. A true Pastor of our Church. From Colombo, Sri Lanka.
You could have provided us
You could have provided us with this kind of big selections of knowledge
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