"While it is true that over the cenbturies many things have changed in the College of Cardinals, the substance and the essential nature of this important church body however have not changed. Its ancient roots, its historical development and today’s composition really make it a sort of Senate, called to closely cooperate with the successor of Peter in the fulfilment of the tasks related to its universal apostolic ministry": this was said this morning by Benedict XVI in the sermon for the solemn celebration in Saint Peter’s Square for the Consistory, with which he appointed 15 new cardinals. To the new cardinals, the Pope recalled that "the total and generous willingness to serve the others is the distinctive sign of those who have a place of authority in the Church, because this is how it was for the Son of man, who did not come to be served, but to serve and give His own life for the redemption of many". (to be continued)
