Sydney's Archbishop George Pell is one of 30 new cardinals Pope John Paul named last night Australian time at Sunday Mass in the Vatican. Archbishop Pell noted that “It is a signal honour to be appointed a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. The ancient College of Cardinals reflects the unity and universality of the Catholic Church, both wonderful blessings.

“As Archbishop of Sydney, my appointment also recognises the contribution of the Catholic community to Australian life. I will continue working to maintain and deepen this tradition of service.” Archbishop Pell will be elevated as a Cardinal during a consistory in Rome on 21 October.

Cardinals who are under the age of 80 may vote in a conclave to elect a new Pope. Currently, with the new Cardinals, there are 109 voting Cardinals and 55 non-voting Cardinals of 164 living Cardinals. Australia now has three Cardinals, including the former Archbishop of Sydney, Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy, and the former President of Vatican Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Edward Idris Cardinal Cassidy.

List of all Cardinals of the Catholic Church.
List of other new Cardinals