	Pope Benedict XVI created Poreku as the Cardinal-Deacon of Sant'Elena fuori Porta Prenestina on 26 March 2006 in Saint Peter's Square; he was elevated as one of the prelates over age 80 meaning that he was not eligible to vote in future papal conclaves. Poreku was in a wheelchair and was lifted onto the dais to greet Benedict XVI who conferred the red hat and title upon him.