Pope Benedict XVI, putting his stamp on the future of the Roman Catholic Church, on Wednesday, Oct 24, named six new cardinals from around the world to join the elite group of prelates who will one day choose his successor, Reuters reported.

The six are from the United States, Lebanon, India, Nigeria, Colombia, and the Philippines. The ceremony, known as a consistory, will be held on November 24, the pope said in a surprise announcement at his weekly general audience.