Parolin: Francis’ choice of cardinals reflects ‘an opening of heart and mind’

VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Reporter

Joshua J. McElwee | Jan. 6, 2015

ROME
The Vatican’s secretary of state said Pope Francis’ decision to appoint new cardinals from diverse parts of the world reflects the pope’s desire to have “an opening of heart and mind in every place.”

The decision to appoint 20 cardinals from 18 different countries — with several from places that have never before had a cardinal — was “not a sign of any less appreciation of any church” where there have previously been cardinals, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Tuesday.

“I would like to stress this,” Parolin continued. “I think that we have to change a little bit our minds or our interpretations about this thing, looking at the Holy Father and the criteria he is using as an opening of heart and mind in every place, especially the places that traditionally did not receive any attention.”

Parolin spoke Tuesday morning in brief remarks to reporters during a blessing ceremony for a new addition to the Pontifical North American College, a seminary in Rome owned by the U.S. bishops’ conference that trains and forms many priests from dioceses across the United States, Canada and Australia.

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