Pope Benedict XVI elevated 15 men to College of Cardinals today at an Ordinary Consistory, a ceremony in which the new Princes of the Roman Catholic Church receive three-cornered hats of crimson, the color distinguishing their new office and signifying their willigness to shed blood to spread the Christian faith.
In addition to fulfilling vital roles as advisors to the Pope and leaders at the highest administrative and pastoral roles of the Church, some Cardinals (those below age 80) also serve as electors in the Conclave, the means by which a new Pope is chosen.
According to the announcement made in an audience by Benedict XVI on 22 February 2006, the new cardinals eligible to participate in a conclave are:
Three Cardinals elevated for their distinguised service include:
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Benedict XVI Elevates 15 to Cardinal