(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI met with the 6 new Cardinals created on Saturday,
together with their families and friends. Cardinal James Michael HARVEY, Archpriest
of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls; Cardinal Bechara BOUTROS
RAÏ, Patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church in Lebanon; Cardinal Baselios Cleemis
THOTTUNKAL, Major Archbishop of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankaras (India); Cardinal
John Olorunfemi ONAIYEKAN, Archbishop of Abuja (Nigeria); Cardinal Luis Antonio TAGLE,
Archbishop of Manila (Philippines); and Cardinal Rubén SALAZAR GÓMEZ, Archbishop
of Bogotá (Colombia).
Here are his remarks in English:
“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 are called to share in a special
way in the Pope’s solicitude for the universal Church. The vivid colour 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. As the new Cardinals assume the burden
of office, I am confident that they will be supported by your prayers and assistance
as they strive with the Roman Pontiff to promote throughout the world the holiness,
communion and peace of the Church.” Listen: