The Vatican announced that the date of the pope’s next consistory has been set for February 14-15, following meetings of the new papal commission on sexual abuse of minors and the group of cardinal-advisers known as the C9 in the days preceding it. As always, it’s a vitally important ecclesial moment, as many of the incoming cardinals will, pending health and age limits, have a vote in the next conclave and a chance to be Francis’ successor. In his first batch of new red hats, Francis bucked a number of trends and called unsuspected nominees to “serve the Church” in this role, notably downplaying much of the pomp traditionally surrounding the ceremonies. Some interesting questions are percolating throughout Rome these days concerning the potential nominees. C