VATICAN CITY
The Tablet

12 January 2014 12:19 by Robert Mickens

Pope Francis today ended months of speculation and announced the names of 16 men from twelve countries that he will create cardinal-electors at his first consistory on 22 February, among them is Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster.

Archbishop Loris Capovilla, 98, the beloved secretary of the soon-to-be-canonised Pope John XXIII, is the most notable among the elderly men without the right to vote in a conclave.

Francis announced the new cardinals at the end of the Angelus today from the window of the papal study overlooking St Peter’s Square.

As expected he will give the “red hat” to his Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, and three other top Roman Curia officials. They include Archbishops Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops; Gerhard Müller, prefect of the Congregation for the Faith; and Beniamino Stella, prefect of…