An elaborate ceremony at the Vatican as Pope Benedict ordains 22 new cardinals.
The exclusive group includes new cardinals from China, the U.S., Brazil and India.
Among the most prominent is this man - New York's Archbishop Timothy Dolan - touted by some as a possible first American pope.
The rank of Cardinal - symbolized by the distinctive scarlet robes and gold ring - is second only to the Pope in the hierarchy of the Catholic church.
In addition to their administrative powers, all cardinals under the age of 80 - 18 men from this group - are eligible to elect the next pope - known in the church as cardinal electors.
Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gathered at the Vatican to celebrate the ceremony.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN LAWYER FROM WASHINGTON, MARK TOOEY
"We're very happy there is an Irish Cardinal in New York. Cardinal Dolan is going to be consequential in the church, in America, dealing with the White House."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) INDIAN TOURIST, CASHUS KOREA
"For India it's a recognition for the country and also for Catholicism. In fact we are very glad about it. It gives us joy, great joy for us that an Indian has also been elected as a Cardinal."
Pope Benedict, who was elected in 2005, has now named more than half of the Vatican's cardinal electors - setting his stamp on the future of the Church.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters
