13:53 | Vatican City, Jun. 28.
Pope Francis appointed Archbishop of Huancayo Pedro Barreto Jimeno as new Cardinal of Peru during a consistory in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday.
This way, the Supreme Pontiff created 14 new cardinals —a diverse selection from countries all over the world.
During the ceremony, Barreto received the square hat —known as a biretta— the ring of office, and a warm hug from the Holy Father.
The act was attended by Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP) President Monsignor Miguel Cabrejos, who had traveled to the Holy See along with Peruvian Episcopate Secretary-General Monsignor Norberto Strotmann and Peruvian Military Bishop Monsignor Juan Carlos Vera Plasencia.
Consistory meeting
Photo: AFP
In the Roman Catholic Church, a consistory is a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals called by the
Pope. However, public audiences, as is the case now, can be attended by other guests.
According to CEP, the insertion of these 14 cardinals into the Diocese of Rome —by
Pope Francis— manifests the alliance between the Holy See and Catholic communities all over the world.
About the new Cardinal
Barreto was born on February 12, 1944, in Lima. Absorbed in the religious life, he enrolled in secondary courses at the Jesuit Novitiate in the Peruvian capital city.
The Peruvian prelate is known for fighting for the rights of communities living in the Amazon forest.
(END) RRC/RRC/RMB/MVB
Published: 6/28/2018