VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Reporter

by John L. Allen Jr. | Oct. 24, 2012 NCR Today

Rome —
During a Synod of Bishops that has been somewhat short of banner headlines, Pope Benedict XVI made some news today, announcing a consistory for the creation of six new cardinals Nov. 24.

One veteran American made the cut, as did a couple of prelates from the developing world considered possible papal contenders in some circles.

The new cardinals are:
• James Harvey, American, the longtime head of the Papal Household under John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The pope said he intends to nominate as Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
• His Beatitude Bechara Boutros Raï, patriarch of the Maronite Church in Lebanon.
• His Beatitude Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, head of the Syro-Mankar Church in India.
• Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan…