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by Christopher Lamb in Rome Never feel superior to anyone, Pope tells new cardinals

New Cardinal Luis Ladaria receives his red biretta from Pope FrancisFrancis today made 14 new cardinals from 12 countries including Pakistan, Japan and Madagascar and Mexico

Pope Francis told his new cardinals never to feel “superior” to anyone, to avoid protecting their own power and to embrace their new role through service and love of poverty. 

Speaking in St Peter’s today, the Pope said that true authority was meant being able to follow Jesus’ example of radical service seen when he “did not hesitate to bow down” and wash the feet of his disciples.

“This is the highest honour that we can receive, the greatest promotion that can be awarded us: to serve Christ in God’s faithful people,” Francis explained. “In those who are hungry, neglected, imprisoned, sick, suffering, addicted to drugs, cast aside. In real people, each with his or her own life story and experiences, hopes and disappointments, hurts and wounds.

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