Pope Francis has announced the appointment of 21 new cardinals, marking the tenth such creation since his papacy began in 2013. With this move, he has appointed over 80% of the cardinals eligible to choose his successor, focusing on inclusivity and representation from growing Catholic populations worldwide, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The appointments aim to refresh the college of cardinal electors while continuing to reflect Francis’ commitment to pastoral leadership. One new cardinal has been recognized at the age of 99, while another surprise choice has raised eyebrows due to past controversies.