Due to COVID-19 worldwide mandatory health protocols, the consistory had a limited congregation. Each new cardinal was allowed only a few guests. In his new assignment as a Confessor at the Vatican also granted entrance for Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. John Voytek, OFM Conv. Friar John took the unique opportunity – representing congratulatory well wishes from all friars of our province – to take a quick photo with the new Conventual Franciscan Cardinal.

Just six days before (November 22, 2020), His Eminence Mauro Cardinal Gambetti, OFM Conv. had been ordained as the Titular Archbishop of Thisiduo, on the Feast of Christ the King, in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. On November 28, 2020, he was one of 13  who were elevated to the College of Cardinals, in St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City). Cardinal Gambetti became the third youngest member of the College of Cardinals, and the first Conventual Franciscan to be named a cardinal since 1861.

On our Curia’s website, Friar Tomasz Szymczak, OFM Conv., Secretary General of our Order, posted the article: “THE CONVENTUAL CARDINALS,” answering the question, “Do we have that many cardinals in our family?” Also posted on our Curia’s website, on December 1, 2020, was a reflection on the day by Friar Agnello Stoia, OFM Conv., Pastor of Rome’s Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles (at our Order’s Curia).: “Rome: Te Deum for the New Cardinal, His Eminence, Mauro Cardinal Gambetti“