Pope announces new cardinals

The six will help the Pope 'confirm the brethren in the faith'

U.S. Archbishop James M. Harvey looks on as Pope Benedict XVI begins his general audience. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Here is a Catholic News Agency story reporting that, at today's general audience, Pope Benedict XVI announced he will appoint six new cardinals, including an American, at a consistory that will be held Nov. 24.

The only one from North America is Archbishop James M. Harvey of the titular see of Memphis, Tenn., who was named Prefect of the Papal Household by Blessed John Paul II in 1998. Pope Benedict said he plans to appoint the Milwaukee native, 49, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

This will be Pope Benedict's fifth consistory. After Nov. 24 he will have appointed 90 cardinals during his pontificate. That will bring the College of Cardinals up to 211. The 120 who are under 80 years of age will be eligible to vote in a conclave.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.