Pope Francis made an unexpected announcement Sunday - naming 13 new cardinals, including Washington D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory who will become the first black American to earn the red hat.
Speaking during his Angelus address at the Vatican, the Pope confirmed rumors the 13 would be elevated to cardinals Nov. 28 - the vigil of the first Sunday of the Roman Catholic Church's sacramental season of Advent.
Nine of the new bishops are younger than 80. The decision increases the prospects that the next church leader will be one who continues the Pope's principles, experts said.
Francis asked for prayers so the new church officials may help him in his ministry as bishop of Rome "for the good of all God's faithful holy people." No details about the council of cardinals - called the consistory - were provided by the Vatican.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates in the U.S. praised the selection of Gregory, who is the only American cardinal to be named, days after Francis made headlines for voicing support for civil unions for gay couples - which conservative prelates in the U.S. have criticized him for.
Gregory succeeded Cardinal Donald Wuerl, who resigned after accusations of letting priests receive pensions despite allegations of sexual abuse.
The Pope picked Gregory to lead the diocese in Washington D.C. in 2019 and he has served as director of the U.S. Conference of Bishops three times.
Among the 13 are an Italian who is the Vatican's longtime papal preacher, Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa; Archbishop Antoine Kambanda of Rwanda; Archbishop Jose Feurte Advincula of the Philippines and Archbishop Celestino Aos Braco of Chile.
