Benedict XVI will create 23 new cardinals today following a rite introduced in June 1991.The ceremony will start with a liturgical greeting, followed by the Pope's reading of the formula of creation while solemnly proclaiming the names of the new cardinals.
The first of the new cardinals will then address the Holy Father on behalf of everyone.
The Liturgy of the Word, the Pontiff's homily, and the profession of faith will follow.
The Oath
Each cardinal will then take an oath where he will approach the Holy Father, kneel before him to receive the cardinal's biretta, and then be assigned a title or deaconry.
The Pope assigns the cardinals a Roman church as a sign of their participation with the Bishop of Rome in the pastoral care of the city.
As Benedict XVI places the biretta on the cardinal's head, he will say, in part: "(This is) red as a sign of the dignity of the office of a cardinal, signifying that you are ready to act with fortitude, even to the point of spilling your blood for the increase of the Christian faith, for peace and harmony among the people of God, for freedom and the spread of the Holy Roman Catholic Church."
The Holy Father will then hand over the cardinal's Bull of Creation and exchange a kiss of peace with the new members.
The members of the College of Cardinals will also exchange such a sign among themselves.
The rite is concluded with the Prayers of the Faithful, the recitation of the Our Father and a final blessing.
Cardinal's Ring
On Sunday, the solemnity of Christ the King, the Holy Father will preside at a concelebrated Mass with the new cardinals, where he will give them the cardinal's ring, representing the dignity, pastoral care and the most solid communion with the See of Peter.
As he places the ring on the new cardinal's finger, the Pope will say: "Take this ring from the hand of Peter and know that, with the love of the Prince of the Apostles, your love for the Church is strengthened."
Following Saturday's ceremony, the College of Cardinals will have 201 members, of whom 120 are electors, that is, under the age of 80.
Eighteen of the new 23 cardinals are electors.
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