Pope Francis announces new group of Roman Catholic cardinals

Pope Francis (C) speaks with two cardinals at the end of a Marian vigil mass in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican, October 9, 2016. (Photo: Reuters)

Vatican City: Pope Francis said on Sunday he would elevate 17 Roman Catholic prelates to the high rank of cardinal, including 13 who are under 80 years old and thus eligible to enter a conclave that will one day choose his successor.

Cardinals are the most senior members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy after the pope. Each time a pope names new cardinals he puts his stamp on the future of the 1.2-billion-member global church.