Putting stamp on future, pope names cardinals with tilt towards Asia

Pope Francis (pictured) declared on Sunday (29 May) that he would appoint 21 cardinals including one based out of Mongolia. This was his second attempt to stamp his mark on the future of the Roman Catholic Church by elevating more men from developing countries to the highest rank.

Sixteen cardinal electors below 80 are eligible to vote in a conclave that will elect his successor from among them after his death. Eleven electors come from or are based outside North America or Europe.

The Church hierarchy ranks the Cardinals second to the Pope and they are his closest advisors both at home and abroad. They are still known as the Princes of The Church because of their historical influence and power, but Francis has instructed them to not live like royalty and be close to the poor.

The appointment of Bishop Robert McElroy, San Diego, California was a significant one in the rich world. He is considered a progressive. Francis gave San Diego its first cardinal and bypassed the conservative archbishops of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

McElroy was a vocal ally of Francis' pastoral approach on issues such as the protection of the environment, and more welcoming to gay Catholics.

He has also opposed US conservative Churchmen who want Catholic politicians to be barred from communion for their support of abortion rights.

Francis will have formally installed them on Aug. 27, a ceremony known as a consistory. This increases the likelihood that his successor will reflect his views on key issues.

The first Latin American pope will then have appointed 63% of the cardinal electors. This will increase their presence in the developing countries and loosen Europe's hold on the College of Cardinals.

This will be the eighth Consory since Francis (85) was elected in 2013. Each of his previous consorties has maintained what one diplomat called "a tilt toward Asia", increasing the possibility that the next pope could come from the region.

Francis seems to be trying to raise the Church's status and influence in Asia by appointing cardinals to Singapore, India, Mongolia, East Timor and India.

After his Sunday noon blessing of thousands in St. Peter's Square, Francis made the surprising announcement.

Archbishop Giorgio Marengo of Italy, who is currently the administrator for the Catholic Church in Mongolia, are among the new electors.

This country is home to less than 1,500 Catholics, but it is strategic because it borders China. The Vatican is working to improve the situation of Catholics living in communist countries. He is 48 years old and the youngest cardinal elector.

Others cardinal electors are from Brazil, India (USA), Brazil, Nigeria, Brazil and India. Three cardinals from the Vatican will be elected in August by South Korea, Britain, and Spain.

Francis once again resigned the archbishops in major European cities and Americas, who had previously been ruled by cardinals, in favor of appointing men in remote places where the Church is smaller or more active than in Europe.

The new cardinals hail from other developing countries, including archbishops of Ekwulobia, Nigeria, Manaus, Brasilia, Brazil, Hyderabad, Wa, Ghana, and Asuncion, Paraguay.

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