Some people were disappointed that Pope Francis did not take bolder action to change significantly the geographic composition of College of Cardinals. Perhaps he will do so in the future or even make significant changes to the college and the conclave process itself. Others were unhappy that the Pope did not include any theologians in the group of three “honorary” cardinals over the age of 80, as did John Paul II and Benedict XVI at most consistories. But, actually, he did. Fernando Sebastián Aguilar may not be a household name, but the cardinal-designate is, indeed, a professional theologian. The 84-year-old Claretian Missionary, who is Archbishop emeritus of Pamplona (Spain), served more than eight years as rector of the Pontifical University of Salamanca in the 1970s
16 January 2014, The Tablet
Letter from Rome
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