Vatican City, Nov 21, 2010 / 12:01 pm
Pope Benedict XVI has asked the newest cardinals not to ask Christ to come down from the cross, but rather to unite themselves faithfully to Him for the redemption of the world.
At a St. Peter’s Basilica Mass on Nov. 21, the Pope gave each of the 24 newest cardinals a ring with the image of a crucifix emblazoned on it. The image was intended to remind them that their ministry is dependent upon their fidelity to the crucified Christ.
The Mass took place just a day after the consistory event which created the cardinals. It marked the feast of Christ the King, the day on which Catholic Christians mark the final Sunday of the liturgical year and celebrate the supreme dominion of the Lord over the universe.
The Pope and the new cardinals were joined in St. Peter's by more than 100 other cardinals in addition to bishops, priests, religious and faithful representing the farthest reaches of the globe. Swahili and Singhalese, the language of Sri Lanka, were used for prayers during the celebration.