Pope Francis writes to the new Cardinals-elect, just before the Consistory where they will attain the dignity of the Cardinalate. The pope has written a personal letter to the 21 men – bishops and priests from around the globe – whom he will raise to the Cardinalate at a consistory planned for December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He explains that their elevation to the College of Cardinals will associate them with the Roman Clergy, the Bishop of Rome reminds them that membership in the College “is an expression of the Church’s unity and of the bond that unites all the Churches with this Church of Rome.” (FULL TEXT Letter below the Video)
FULL TEXT LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
TO THE NEW CARDINALS
___________________
Dear Brother,
With your elevation to the College of Cardinals, you will become a member of the Roman clergy. Welcome! That membership is an expression of the Church’s unity and of the bond that unites all the Churches with this Church of Rome.
I urge you to make every effort as a Cardinal to embody the three attitudes with which an Argentinian poet (Francisco Luis Bernárdez) once characterized Saint John of the Cross, and which are also applicable to us: “eyes raised, hands joined, feet bare”.
Eyes raised, because your service will require you to lengthen your gaze and broaden your heart, in order to see farther and to love more expansively and with greater fervour. To sit with John of the Cross “at the school of his gaze” (Benedict XVI), which is the pierced side of Christ.
Hands joined, because what the Church most needs – together with the preaching of the Gospel – is your prayer to be able to shepherd well the flock of Christ. Prayer is the realm of discernment that helps me to seek and discover God’s will for our people, and to follow it.
Feet bare, because they touch the harsh realities of all those parts of the world overwhelmed by the pain and suffering due to war, discrimination, persecution, hunger and many forms of poverty; these will demand from you great compassion and mercy.
I thank you for your generosity and I assure you of my prayers that the title of “servant” (deacon) will increasing eclipse that of “eminence”.
Pray for me, and may Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin accompany you.
Fraternally,
FRANCIS
Rome, Saint John Lateran, 6 October 2024
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