Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Almost half of the 21 new cardinals announced by Pope Francis were already in Rome attending the Synod of Bishops on synodality. However, not all were aware of their appointments when they were made public. Cardinal-designate Jaime Spengler of Porto Alegre, Brazil, recounted that he was caught by surprise while reading in his room when congratulatory messages began flooding his phone. "The pope mentioned you at the Angelus," one message read, referring to the announcement of 21 new cardinals set for creation on December 8.

Among those already in Rome, nine cardinals-designate enjoyed a free Sunday during the ongoing synod from October 2-27. Three spoke at a Vatican press briefing on October 8 about their new roles. Cardinal-designate Spengler, serving as president of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), emphasized Brazil's significant representation within the College of Cardinals, noting that there are currently six Brazilian cardinals leading archdioceses and two with roles in the Roman Curia.

The group of cardinals-designate represents 18 nations. Cardinal-designate Ignace Bessi Dogbo from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, praised this diversity as reflective of Pope Francis' openness to voices from all parts of the world. "This is the catholicity of the church," he stated, emphasizing that global perspectives should be heard.

Cardinal-designate Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi from Tokyo highlighted Pope Francis' focus on Asia through visits and appointments. He noted a shift in mission focus from Europe to other regions like Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Five appointees come from Latin America and Asia each, two from Africa, eight from Europe, and one from North America.

Cardinal Giorgio Marengo leads a diocese with around 1,500 Catholics in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, contrasting with Cardinal-designate Spengler's Archdiocese of Porto Alegre which has about four million Catholics. "When we say Catholic we are not just making reference to a religious belief," Spengler said, highlighting an inclusive approach reflective of God's dialogue with diverse cultures.

The diversity within the College of Cardinals is seen as an expression of this inclusivity and openness inherent to being Catholic.