Pomp, flag-waving, family pride abound as pope elevates new cardinals

Published: 2003-10-22

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The atmosphere in and around St. Peter's Square as Pope John Paul II elevated 30 new cardinals was a combination of strict formality, patriotic fervor and familial pride. At public receptions for the new cardinals later Oct. 21, a festive atmosphere prevailed. In the morning ceremony, cardinals and bishops in their formal red and purple robes flanked the flower-festooned stage in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Near them, the official escorts known as "papal gentlemen" and many members of national delegations wore formal morning coats with tails. Every step of the ceremony was carefully choreographed in keeping with centuries of tradition. When it came time to receive their red hats from the pope, the new cardinals were escorted, one at a time, to kneel before Pope John Paul and kiss his ring. The audience in the square was not bound by the same degree of formality, though. During the ceremony, as each new cardinal's name was read, cheers would arise from a section of the audience, as guests waved flags and signs. Particularly loud were the large delegations cheering for Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie of Lagos, Nigeria, and Cardinal Keith O'Brien of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Scotland.

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