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 Francis elevated 20 prelates, many of them from developing
countries, at a ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica. It was attended by
former Pope Benedict XVI, making only his fifth public appearance at
a church event since his resignation in 2013.
In his homily, Francis said being a cardinal "is not a kind of
accessory, a decoration, like an honorary title". He warned against
being "puffed up with pride", adding: "Nor are church dignitaries
immune from this temptation."
Cardinals are the pope's highest ranking aides in Rome and around
the world. Those under 80 can enter a secret conclave to elect the
next pontiff after Francis's death or resignation.
Since his election, Francis has often criticized careerism and
privileges among the clergy, setting an example by living in a
Vatican guest house instead of the large papal apartments used by
his predecessors.
Fifteen of those who received their red "biretta" hats on Saturday
are under 80, bringing the total number of "cardinal electors" to
125. The five older men were honored for their long service to the
church.
The new electors, whose names were announced last month, are from
Italy, France, Portugal, Ethiopia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Mexico,
Myanmar, Thailand, Uruguay, Spain, Panama, Cape Verde and Tonga.
Nine are from the developing world.
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It is the first time cardinals from Myanmar, Tonga or Cape Verde
have been appointed.
Cardinal Alberto Suarez Inda of Morelia, Mexico, has worked in a
region hit by violence related to drug cartels. Cardinal Francesco
Montenegro of Sicily has been in the front line in efforts to help
migrants making the dangerous crossing from north Africa to the
island of Lampedusa. Thousands have died.
"Those called to the service of governance in the church need to
have a strong sense of justice, so that any form of injustice
becomes unacceptable," said Francis.
(Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by Andrew Roche)
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