Pope gives ring to new cardinals, urges peace for Holy Land

(Nov. 26, 2007) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday con-celebrated a solemn Mass with 23 newly-elevated cardinals from around the world and reminded them that the crucifix on their new rings symbolizes the surrender they are called to live even to the point of giving their lives for the church. The venue of the Mass, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was packed to capacity, while some 20,000 others who could not fit inside, followed the event on giant TV screens outside in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Benedict elevated the new cardinals on Saturday conferring upon them the cardinal’s red hat; and at Sunday’s concelebrated Mass he gave them the cardinal’s ring sealing their special bond with the Church and the Successor of St. Peter, the first Pope. Among the 23 new cardinals are two Asians - Indian Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Bombay and Iraqi Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly of Baghdad, the head of the Chaldean rite Catholic Church. “The crucifixion is portrayed on the cardinal’s ring, which I will soon give to the new members of the Sacred College (of Cardinals),” Pope Benedict said in his homily on Sunday, the feast of Christ the King. “This, dear brothers,” he said, “will always be for you an invitation to remember the king whose servants you are, on which throne he was raised up and how he remained faithful to the very end to defeat sin and death with the power of divine mercy.” “Mother Church, bride of Christ, gives you this sign as a commemoration of her Bridegroom, who loved her and gave himself up for her. Thus, wearing this ring of the cardinalate, you are constantly called to give your life for the Church," the Pope added.
At the midday Angelus prayer, which soon followed the Mass, Pope Benedict XVI invited generous response to the U.S. bishops' appeal for a day of prayer for the Holy Land, leading up to Tuesday's meeting with Israelis and Palestinians in Annapolis, in the US. The Holy Father said that with the help of the international community, Israelis and Palestinians intended to re-launch the negotiation process to find a just and definitive solution to the conflict that has bloodied the Holy Land for 60 years and provoked so many tears and so much suffering among the two peoples. He urged all to join the day of prayer to implore the Spirit of God for peace for that region so dear to us and to give wisdom and courage to all the protagonists in this important meeting. After the Angelus, the Holy Father had lunch with the new cardinals and with the other cardinals in Rome.
On Monday, Pope Benedict received in audience the new cardinals who were accompanied by their families, friends, well-wishers and a few faithful of their dioceses. Speaking in 7 languages the Pope reminded them that “the College of Cardinals, whose origin is linked to the ancient clergy of the Roman Church, is charged with electing the Successor of Peter and advising him in matters of greater importance.” "Whether in the offices of the Roman Curia or in their ministry in the local churches throughout the world, the cardinals," he said, "are called to share in a special way in the Pope’s solicitude for the universal Church." "The vivid colour of their robes," he explained, "has traditionally been seen as a sign of their commitment to defending Christ’s flock even to the shedding of their blood.” The Holy Father hoped that the new Cardinals, while accepting the burden of this office, would be supported by the constant prayers and cooperation of the faithful.