Archbishop Timothy Broglio, of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), recently issued a statement to extend his congratulations on the appointment of 21 new cardinals by Pope Francis. 

Among the noteworthy appointments, the selection of two cardinals from the United States was a prominent highlight. The first is Archbishop Robert Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and a native of Chicago. The second is Archbishop Christophe Pierre, who serves as the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Their inclusion in the announcement marks a significant recognition of their roles and contributions within the Catholic Church, according to the USCCB.

“Please join me in praying for Cardinal-designate Prevost and Cardinal-designate Pierre as they continue their lives of service to the universal Church,” Broglio said in the release. "For the Church in the United States, their ministry has been a true blessing. Our episcopal conference rejoices in this sign of recognition of these distinguished Churchmen.” 

On Sept. 30, Prevost and Pierre will be ceremoniously elevated to the esteemed position of cardinal, which is the highest rank within the Church, second only to the pope. The list of newly appointed cardinals comprises distinguished individuals such as archbishops, bishops, and fathers hailing from diverse nations, including Italy, Argentina, Venezuela, Poland, Spain, South Africa, and others. Since his papal tenure began in 2013, Pope Francis has named 121 cardinals from more than 60 countries, accounting for approximately 67% of all appointed cardinals during his tenure, according to Catholic News Agency.  

Other Catholics also commented on the appointments.

"Congratulations to all, in particular to Cardinal-designate Prevost, a former member of @cmsmtweets, and to the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, Cardinal-designate Pierre!," Fr. Frank Donio, founding director of the Catholic Apostolate Center, said in a tweet. 

"Thank you, Pope Francis, for giving Southern Africa a second Cardinal so that the voice of the Church in this Region will continue to be heard!,"  Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of South Africa, said in a tweet. "Congratulations to Cardinal Elect Stephen Brislin. God be with you even more strongly!” 

The significant percentage of cardinals chosen during Pope Francis' tenure, approaching almost 70%, can be attributed to the circumstance where several cardinals have reached the age of 80. As a result, Pope Francis has found it necessary to make additional appointments in order to uphold the current size of the College of Cardinals. However, it was during the papacy of Pope John Paul II that the largest number of cardinals were added, as 40 voting-eligible cardinals were appointed. The second-largest consistory in terms of new cardinal appointments took place in 1969 under Pope Paul VI, where 33 cardinals were added to the College, The Pillar reported.