Pope Francis has chosen 21 new cardinals in a move that once again shows his determination to reshape the group of churchmen who will elect his successor.

When Pope Francis appoints new Catholic cardinals, as he did on Sunday, the move is often described as the pontiff pushing to influence the group that one day will select his successor. But while Francis,

The new cardinals will get their red hats at a ceremony, known as a consistory, on Dec. 8, an important feast day on its own that officially kicks off the Christmas season in Rome.

The appointments cement Francis’ imprint on the group that will choose his successor, and reflect his vision of a more truly global Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis will appoint 21 new cardinals from around the world, he announced on Sunday, in an unexpected push to influence the powerful group of churchmen that will one day choose his successor. The ceremony to install the new appointees,

Pope Francis will create 21 new cardinals on December 8, 20 of whom can vote for a new pope. Among them are Frank Leo, archbishop of Toronto, and Timothy Radcliffe, former master of the Dominicans.

ANALYSIS: Here are six angles for understanding who the new cardinals are and why Pope Francis might have picked them.

The pope named the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia, Bishop Mykola Bychok, in recognition of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

THE English theologian and former global Master of the Dominicans, Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP, is to be created a cardinal by Pope Francis. Announced on Sunday as one of 21 new names from around the world, he will bring the total of English cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church to four — for what is believed to be the first time ever.

Francis' picks include theologian Timothy Radcliffe, 79, 53-year-old Francis Leo of Toronto, and papal trip planner George Koovakad, 51.

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, significantly increasing the number who will one day elect his successor.