Paul KeenanPope Francis will elevate new cardinals during a consistory next February.
The event, set for February 22, the feast of the Chair of St Peter, will allow the Pontiff to deal with the 14 vacancies in the College of Cardinals which will have opened up by then – and increased by two by the end of March when two more cardinals reach the age of 80, thus removing their eligibility to vote in conclave.
In the days before the stated dates, the Pontiff will meet with cardinals in relation to further reforms of the curia, as to be discussed by the council of eight prelates appointed by the Pope towards such reforms, offering the opportunity to appoint cardinals suitable for the task.