Pope Francis names 20 new cardinalsJanuary 4, 2015 - 20:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis has named 20 new cardinals, including churchmen from Tonga, Ethiopia and Myanmar, according to BBC News. Fifteen of the new appointees are under 80, making them eligible to enter a conclave to elect the Pope's successor. Pope Francis said the appointment of cardinals from 14 countries from every continent in the world showed the Vatican's "inseparable link" with Catholic Churches around the world. They will be formally installed on Feb 14. Pope Francis also announced on Sunday that he would lead of meeting of all cardinals to discuss reform of the Roman Curia, the Vatican's administrative body, on February 12 and 13. The list of names includes five retired bishops who will join the College of Cardinals but are over 80 and so cannot take part in a papal election. It is the second time Pope Francis has announced the appointment of new cardinals from a wide variety of countries. Last January he named 19 new additions, including churchmen from Haiti and Burkina Faso, which a Vatican spokesman said reflected his commitment to the poor. With his appointments, Pope Francis appears to be trying to reflect the diversity and growth of the Church in developing nations, the BBC says. In his a pre-Christmas address to cardinals, Pope Francis sharply criticized the Vatican bureaucracy, complaining of "spiritual Alzheimer's" and "the terrorism of gossip". He wants to see an overhaul of the Church, bringing it closer to ordinary people. He has previously said the Roman Catholic Church must strip itself of all "vanity, arrogance and pride" and humbly serve the poorest in society. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |