Pope names 15 new cardinals, including two from U.S.

Published: 2006-02-22

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his first set of major appointments, Pope Benedict XVI named 15 cardinals, including U.S. Archbishops William J. Levada, head of the Vatican's doctrinal congregation, and Sean P. O'Malley of Boston. The pope announced the names at the end of his general audience Feb. 22 and said he would formally install the cardinals at a special consistory March 24. The pope also convened the entire College of Cardinals for a day of reflection and prayer March 23 and said he would celebrate Mass with the cardinals March 25, the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. It will be the first gathering of the College of Cardinals since they elected Pope Benedict last April. Smiling as he made his announcement, the pope said the new cardinals reflect the universality of the church.

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