Pope Francis has named 19 new cardinals including 16 who will have voting rights in the conclave that will one day elect his successor.
The new cardinals hail from dioceses around the world including four Italians, two from other European countries, five from South America, one North American, two Africans and two Asians.
Some of the most high profile appointments include his new secretary of state, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, and the head of Vatican's watchdog for doctrinal orthodoxy, Gerhard Mueller.
Sixteen of the new cardinals are under the age of 80 and are eligible to vote for a new pope after Pope Francis' death or resignation.
The cardinals will be officially appointed on February 22 at the Vatican.
The new cardinals hail from dioceses around the world including four Italians, two from other European countries, five from South America, one North American, two Africans and two Asians.
Some of the most high profile appointments include his new secretary of state, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, and the head of Vatican's watchdog for doctrinal orthodoxy, Gerhard Mueller.
Sixteen of the new cardinals are under the age of 80 and are eligible to vote for a new pope after Pope Francis' death or resignation.
The cardinals will be officially appointed on February 22 at the Vatican.