Rome, Italy, Nov 18, 2016 / 15:26 pm
In a simple rite this Saturday, 17 prelates will receive a red biretta from Pope Francis and thus join the College of Cardinals.
Dressed in their red robes, the cardinals-to-be will gather in St. Peter Basilica, profess the Creed, and then approach Pope Francis one by one. The Pope will give each of them the red biretta, and their cardinal's ring
The Pope will place the red hat on each cardinal's head and say:
"To the glory of almighty God and the honor of the Apostolic See, receive the scarlet biretta as a sign of the dignity of the cardinalate, signifying your readiness to act with courage, even to the shedding of your blood, for the increase of the Christian faith, for the peace and tranquility of the people of God and for the freedom and growth of the Holy Roman Church."
As he places the ring on a new cardinal's finger, the Pope will say: "Receive this ring from the hand of Peter and know that, with the love of the Prince of the Apostles, your love for the Church is strengthened."