Pope meets new cardinals along with family, friends

(November 22, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday met the 24 new cardinals he created on Saturday, along with their family members and friends. Meeting all of them together in a group he spoke in various languages. Addressing them in English he recalled that cardinals are 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 Pope said, the cardinals are called to share in a special way in the Pope’s solicitude for the universal Church. He recalled that the vivid red of their robes has traditionally been seen as a sign of their commitment to defending Christ’s flock even to the shedding of their blood. He thus urged the family members and friends to support their cardinals with constant prayers and cooperation in their efforts to build up the Body of Christ in unity, holiness and peace.