Cardinal for Zambia

Pope Benedict created 24 new cardinals at an ordinary consistory in the Vatican on Saturday, bringing the total number to 203, a new record. Of these, 121 are under the age of 80 and hence eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. One of the prelates who was promoted to cardinal this weekend is Medardo Joseph Mazombwe, the retired archbishop of Lusaka in Zambia who has helped mediate political disputes in his country. He spoke to Susy Hodges about his life and career. He said when he was first asked as a boy if he wanted to become a priest he replied: "No, I never thought of becoming a priest but I want to be a teacher" and then was told he could combine the two things which he subsequently did.

Asked about the challenges facing the Church in Africa and in his home country of Zambia Cardinal Mazombwe says "the Church in Africa is experiencing the fastest numerical growth ever experienced by the Church at this moment and it's a blessing but there are challenges." He said one of those challenges is that this fast growth "is not matched by maturity and lots of influences are affecting our faith, in particular the Pentocostals" ...who are "bringing a spirit that attracts the young people."