(Image Source : JakartaPost )


BY ALLYSON BROWN

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS


Pope Benedict XVI (16) increased his total number of closest advisers — cardinals — to more than 200 Saturday.

The pope elevated 22 men to the rank of cardinal. The candidates were announced in January and were made official in a ceremony Saturday.


With Pope Benedict's birthday approaching, one CBS correspondent says the creation of 22 new princes of the church takes on greater significance than mere ceremony, and Fox News explains why.


“Benedict was wheeled into St. Peter's Basilica aboard the moving platform he has been using for several months to spare him the long walk down the center aisle.”

The pope’s health has been in question since the end of 2011. Reports from the Pope’s own aides say he appears to be “worn out” but the Vatican has denied all claims , saying the pope is in good health. But many wonder if he is still up to the task.

“His upcoming trip to Mexico and Cuba … is very light on public appearances ... Even Saturday's [service] was greatly trimmed back to a slimmer version of the service used in 1969."

The newly elevated cardinals have many duties, but 18 get an extra duty because of their age … Huffington Post explains why those select few get to choose the next pope.

“Cardinals who are over 80 years old are not allowed to vote.”

CNN’s Vatican analyst says becoming a cardinal also puts you in the running for one of the Church’s top positions.

"In many cases, you also become, at least informally, a candidate to be the next pope, because the next pope will almost certainly come from the roughly 120 cardinals under the age of 80.”

Of those 18, one happens to be American Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York. WTAE and Voice of America report…

Timothy Dolan’s appointment to cardinal cements his position to what some say, as the United States’ most important Catholic figure.

“Some Vatican watchers are touting him as a candidate to become the first American-born pontiff.”