In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church and the United States, Pope Francis on Sunday appointed 13 new cardinals, including Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory, who will become the first Black American cardinal in U.S. history. The announcement, delivered to thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square, immediately sent shockwaves through religious communities worldwide.
Francis told the faithful that the new cardinals will be officially elevated during a ceremony on November 28, emphasizing that each of them carries a profound responsibility within the global Church. He called on believers to pray for the incoming cardinals so they may “support my ministry as Bishop of Rome for the good of all devout and faithful people.”
Of the 13 newly appointed leaders, nine are under the age of 80, making them eligible to participate in a future conclave — the secretive gathering that selects the next pope. Several of the appointees already serve in influential Vatican departments, with popes frequently seeking their guidance on doctrine, diplomacy, and Church administration.
Wilton Gregory’s elevation marks a watershed moment for American Catholicism, highlighting the Vatican’s ongoing push for broader representation and diversity at the highest levels of Church leadership. His appointment is expected to energize U.S. Catholics who have long advocated for stronger minority representation in Rome.
As the global Church looks toward the future, Pope Francis’s latest appointments signal a continued commitment to reform, inclusivity, and fresh leadership within one of the world’s oldest institutions.