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

Pope Francis has announced the inclusion of Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples among the prelates to be made cardinals on December 7. The Vatican press office confirmed this decision, with Matteo Bruni, director of the press office, stating, "Pope Francis announces that he has included among the names of the new cardinals who will be created during the next consistory, Dec. 7, His Excellency Domenico Battaglia, archbishop of Naples."

The announcement typically follows Pope Francis's Sunday recitation of the Angelus. It is customary for new cardinals to learn about their appointment through public announcements rather than prior notification. Archbishop Battaglia's case remains unclear in terms of whether he was informed beforehand.

Initially set for December 8, Pope Francis's tenth consistory was rescheduled to December 7. The new cardinals will join a Mass with Pope Francis and current College of Cardinals members on December 8.

Earlier changes involved Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur withdrawing from becoming a cardinal. According to Bruni, Bishop Syukur sought further growth in his priestly life and service.

Archbishop Battaglia has been serving as archbishop of Naples since February 2021. Ordained in 1988 for the Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace, he earned recognition as a "street priest" for his work with the poor and those struggling with addiction. In 2016, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti.