by making these men cardinals, the pope is handing them megaphones.

Rev. Gabriele Martinelli is accused of the sexual abuse of altar boys who served the papal masses in St. Peter’s Basilica and who lived in a Vatican pre-seminary in the years before 2012.

His critics know Pope Francis "will not change,” said Father Sosa, adding, “In reality, these [attacks] are a way to influence the election of the next pope.”

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis personally would ordain the cardinal-designate a bishop Oct. 4, the day before the consistory.

Pray and dialogue for peace, Pope Francis told the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and other religious leaders taking part in the meeting.

Pope Francis believes that Christianity and the Catholic Church can have a great future in this continent where two-thirds of humanity live.