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POPE-CARDINALS/ (UPDATE 1, TV):UPDATE 1-Pope Francis to appoint 21 new cardinals on Dec. 8..
VATICAN CITY, - Pope Francis on Sunday announced he will appoint 21 new cardinals of the global Catholic Church, in an unexpected push to influence the powerful group of churchmen that will one day choose his successor..
The ceremony to install the new appointees, known as a consistory, will be held on December 8, the 87-year-old pope announced during his weekly noon-time prayer with pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square..
Although popes may choose to appoint cardinals at any time, Francis's decision to make new appointments now comes as something of a surprise..
All cardinals, regardless of their age, are allowed to take part in pre-conclave meetings, known as General Congregations, giving them a say in the type of person they think the younger cardinals should choose..
