By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Nov 5, 2024 / 07:00 am
Pope Francis has officially announced the inclusion of Domenico Battaglia, the esteemed archbishop of Naples, among the 21 new cardinals he will elevate during a significant consistory scheduled to take place at the Vatican on December 7.
The Vatican’s announcement, made on Monday afternoon, revealed that Battaglia has been added to a list that initially included 20 other new cardinals. This update follows a notable event where one of the pope’s earlier selections, proclaimed during the Angelus at the start of October, graciously declined the honor of receiving the red hat.
Pope Francis accepted the heartfelt request from Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM, who sought not to be elevated to cardinal in order to focus on “continuing to grow in priestly life and in service to the Church and the people of God,” as detailed in a message released by the Holy See Press Office on October 22.
Thus, with Battaglia’s addition, the upcoming consistory will see a total of 21 new members welcomed into the esteemed College of Cardinals on that significant December day.
The 61-year-old Battaglia assumed the role of archbishop of Naples in December 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Prior to his current position, he served as the bishop of the Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant’Agata de’ Goti diocese in Italy’s southern Campania region from 2016 to 2020.
Before taking on episcopal duties, Battaglia was widely recognized as a parish priest in the Catanzaro-Squillace archdiocese in southern Italy, affectionately known as “Don Mimmo.” He earned admiration for his compassionate outreach to marginalized communities, embodying the spirit of a “street priest.”
**Interview with Archbishop of Valencia on Recent Storm Tragedy in Spain**
**Hannah Brockhaus:** Thank you for joining us today, Archbishop. The recent storm that has swept across Spain has had devastating effects, claiming over 150 lives. Can you share your thoughts on this tragic event?
**Archbishop of Valencia:** Thank you, Hannah. It is indeed a heart-wrenching situation. The loss of life is immeasurable, and our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by this disaster. In these difficult times, it’s crucial that we come together in solidarity to support one another.
**Hannah Brockhaus:** What message do you have for those grieving during this challenging time?
**Archbishop of Valencia:** My message is one of hope and resilience. While we mourn our losses, we must also take the time to support each other emotionally and spiritually. The Church stands ready to offer assistance and solace to all affected, ensuring that no one feels alone in their suffering.
**Hannah Brockhaus:** Are there any initiatives in place to provide aid to those impacted by the storm?
**Archbishop of Valencia:** Yes, we are mobilizing resources through local parishes and charitable organizations to provide immediate relief. This includes food, shelter, and counseling services for those in need. We are also encouraging the faithful to contribute whatever they can to support these efforts.
**Hannah Brockhaus:** As the community begins to recover, what role do you see the Church playing in the healing process?
**Archbishop of Valencia:** The Church is a pillar of hope in times of crisis. We will organize prayer services and memorials to honor the victims. Additionally, we will focus on rebuilding not just physically, but also spiritually, helping our community find strength and renewal through faith.
**Hannah Brockhaus:** Thank you, Archbishop, for your insights and for the important work you and the Church are doing during this tragic time.
**Archbishop of Valencia:** Thank you, Hannah. Let us continue to pray for all those affected and work together to bring healing and hope to our beloved Spain.
