By Wesley Omondi
VATICAN CITY, OCTOBER 16, 2024 (CISA) — Pope Francis addressed a letter to the newly elevated Cardinals, welcoming them to the College of Cardinals and outlining the responsibilities that come with their new roles. In his message dated October 12, 2024,the Holy Father emphasized the values of unity, prayer, and service as central to their mission within the Roman Church.
“With your elevation to the College of Cardinals, you become a member of the Roman clergy. Welcome!” Pope Francis wrote.
He emphasized that their new role signifies a deeper bond between their local Churches and the Church of Rome, highlighting the unity that underpins the global Catholic community.
The Holy Father drew inspiration from the Argentinian poet Francisco Luis Bernárdez, referencing three key attitudes that characterized St. John of the Cross, which he urged the new Cardinals to embody. These attitudes, Pope Francis said, are crucial to their service as Cardinals.
He encouraged them to see beyond the immediate and to cultivate a love that is more expansive and fervent, drawing from the spiritual depth of St. John of the Cross urging the new Cardinals to adopt the first attitude: keeping their “eyes raised.”
“Your service will require you to lengthen your gaze and broaden your heart,” Pope Francis explained.
In his letter, Pope Francis stressed the importance of prayer, which he said should guide the Cardinals in their service. He highlighted that prayer is essential for discernment and is necessary for understanding and following God’s will.
“Hands joined, because what the Church most needs – together with the preaching of the Gospel – is your prayer,” the Pontiff wrote.
The third attitude Pope Francis urged the new Cardinals to embrace was “feet bare.” He explained that this symbolizes their connection to the suffering and pain endured by so many across the world. “Feet bare.” He called on the new Cardinals to show compassion and mercy, qualities that are essential in ministering to those most in need.
“Because they touch the harsh realities of all those parts of the world overwhelmed by war, discrimination, persecution, and poverty,” the Pope wrote.
He expressed his gratitude for their willingness to serve in this vital role. He encouraged the new Cardinals to live out their vocation with humility, reminding them that their role as “servant” should overshadow the title of “eminence” that comes with their new position.
The Holy Father concluded his letter with a personal plea for prayers. “Pray for me, and may Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin accompany you,” he wrote, reinforcing the spirit of mutual support and prayer within the Church.
