ROME—Pope Benedict XVI elevated 22 churchmen—including Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York and Edwin O'Brien, the former archbishop of Baltimore—to the rank of cardinal during a solemn ceremony, adding new blood to the exclusive circle of men who will one day elect the next pope.
The cardinals knelt before the pontiff as he crowned each of them with a crimson biretta, symbolizing the blood of martyrdom. The pontiff further bound the churchmen to him by assigning each a so-called titular church to oversee in Rome, where the pope is the local bishop.
"The new Cardinals are entrusted with the service of love: love for God, love for his Church, an absolute and unconditional love for his brothers and sisters, even unto shedding their blood, if necessary," said Pope Benedict, speaking beneath the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
Among the new cardinals, 18 are under the age of 80, making them eligible to vote in the next conclave and bringing the number of voting-age cardinals to 125. In refreshing the ranks of the Roman Catholic Church's princes in a ceremony known as a "consistory," Pope Benedict drew mainly from the Roman Curia, the Vatican government, and from Italian dioceses.
That move reinforces Europe's influence over Roman Catholicism's leadership as the church struggles to retain prominence on the Continent, its historical home. The consistory raised the share of Italian cardinals eligible to vote in the next conclave to about a quarter, up from 22%.
Though, when you say "there's still the fact that they do stand up for much of what the Bible teaches", I try to keep in mind a line from a Keith Green song: "I mix some truth with every lie to tickle itching ears"...
I remember when one of my pastors a few years ago was preaching (We were EFCA church)And his conclusion about Mother Theresa in the midst of his sermon was that she was, "by her own words" not going to inherit eternal life in Christ.
Some of the church was a bit confused, and some were even angry. Others didn't seem to care one way or another.
It's this way in the Church today isn't it. Much like Chapter 6 in John. Many of his "disciples" left him because they didn't like the hard sayings; the "truly truly" saying of Jesus. They could follow him when they had it mixed their way. But when Jesus laid it out truth for truth, they said: "See you later alligator."
Have a great week in our Savior's sovereign mercy and rest.
I am a Baltimorian. Used to be Catholic. 8 years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, then 4 years at Cardinal Gibbons HS.
ReplyDeleteI suppose with all the un-biblicalness with the Catholic Church, there's still the fact that they do stand up for much of what the Bible teaches.
Thanks for the post. I made me think, and perhaps will help me share my faith and the truth with all my Catholic friends and family.
Have a terrific Lord's Day in His love and peace!
Thanks for your encouragement Don.
ReplyDeleteThough, when you say "there's still the fact that they do stand up for much of what the Bible teaches", I try to keep in mind a line from a Keith Green song: "I mix some truth with every lie to tickle itching ears"...
Good thought from our brother Keith.
ReplyDeleteI remember when one of my pastors a few years ago was preaching (We were EFCA church)And his conclusion about Mother Theresa in the midst of his sermon was that she was, "by her own words" not going to inherit eternal life in Christ.
Some of the church was a bit confused, and some were even angry. Others didn't seem to care one way or another.
It's this way in the Church today isn't it. Much like Chapter 6 in John.
Many of his "disciples" left him because they didn't like the hard sayings; the "truly truly" saying of Jesus.
They could follow him when they had it mixed their way. But when Jesus laid it out truth for truth, they said: "See you later alligator."
Have a great week in our Savior's sovereign mercy and rest.