New Cardinals from Unusual Places

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For the second time during his papacy, Pope Francis picked new Cardinals from unusual places. The announcement came during the Sunday Angelus attended by hundred thousands faithful. The Consistory shall be done on February 14 during which 20 archbishops shall be elevated to the rank of cardinal.

The new cardinals come from 14 nations, including far-flung corners of the world such as Tonga, New Zealand, Cape Verde and Myanmar. Other cardinals hail from Ethiopia, Thailand and Vietnam. Pope Francis told the faithful in St. Peter's Square that the new cardinals come "from every continent" and "show the indelible tie with the church of Rome to churches in the world."

In addition to the new cardinals who are under 80 and thus eligible to vote for the next pope, Francis bestowed the honor on five archbishops who worked in the Vatican bureaucracy and in diplomatic service. Those included are from Argentina, Mozambique and Colombia.

Pope Francis announces the names of new Cardinals