Pope Francis named 17 new cardinals

 

Pope Francis has named 17 new cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church from around the world, many of whom will help choose his successor. The new cardinals come from five continents and include the Vatican's envoy to Syria. 

According to the BBC, the range of backgrounds represents a break with custom. Pope Francis has now chosen close to a third of the College of Cardinals who will ultimately pick who succeeds him. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote to choose the next Pope. 

Thirteen of those named cardinals yesterday are under 80, and are now eligible to succeed him. It is the third time in three years that Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, has named new cardinals. He has used each opportunity to promote members from outside the College's traditional European base.