Cardinal-designate Ernest Simoni will be one of 17 prelates elevated to cardinal in a consistory on Nov. 19 at the Vatican.

The church in the rest of the world, particularly in the southern hemisphere, will have greater representation in the next conclave.

The three U.S. cardinals named by the pope signal Francis is interested in building bridges and making the church a more welcoming place.

Blase Cupich of Chicago, Kevin Farrell, formerly of Dallas, and Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis will receive a red hat.

Flying back to Rome on Oct. 2 after a visit to Georgia and Azerbaijan, the pope was asked how, given his criticism on Oct. 1 of “gender theory” and of what he calls “ideological colonization,” he would provide pastoral care to a person who felt his or her sexuality did not co

This is the third year that the pope has been considered a strong contender for the prize, though he remains a long shot.