Pope creates 30 cardinals, asks them to be 'fearless witnesses'

Published: 2003-10-21

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a ceremony that combined solemn tradition and the cheers of the faithful, Pope John Paul II created 30 new cardinals and asked them to be "fearless witnesses of Christ and his Gospel" on every continent. The liturgy Oct. 21 in a sunlit St. Peter's Square highlighted the international mix of the College of Cardinals, the group that will one day elect a new pope. New members from 22 countries were added, including Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia. The pope said the new cardinals reflected the "multiplicity of races and cultures that make up the Christian population." He also created one cardinal "in pectore," or in his heart, withholding publication of his name. In his sermon and prayers, the pope emphasized the cardinals' special duty to preach the Gospel and serve others. "Only if you become the servants of all will you complete your mission and help the successor of Peter to be, in turn, the 'servant of the servants of God,'" he said in his sermon, which was read by an aide.

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