Pope
Francis has written to the cardinals he is preparing to appoint next month,
warning them to steer clear of "worldliness" and
"celebrations" and telling them they should retain "a simple and
humble heart".
Francis has
repeatedly warned clerics against being ambitious and has curtailed the use of
honorific "monsignor" titles as part of his plans to revamp the
Vatican's scandal-tainted bureaucracy and finances.
"The
post of cardinal is not a promotion or an honor or a decoration. It is simply a
service that demands a wider view and a bigger heart," the pope said in
his letter, made public by the Vatican on Monday.
He said the
19 new cardinals, who were named on Sunday and will officially be appointed at
a consistory on February 22, should make sure they follow the example of Jesus
Christ -- "the path of humility".
"You
should take up the post with elation and joy but make sure this sentiment is
far from any expression of worldliness, any celebrations that are foreign to
the evangelical spirit of austerity, sobriety and poverty."
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