“These (cardinal) appointments should dispel any doubt that a new season is upon us, one that expands our views of the peripheries in several ways …”

Rarely is change in the church proclaimed with any fanfare. The daily Vatican bollettini don’t announce policy changes; members of the Curia aren’t invited to seminars on ‘new directions’ for the church. Catholics are left to discern newness in other ways, like noticing the first hint of a changing season in the subtle alteration of sunlight.

“The light’s angle just became a little clearer with Pope Francis’ appointment of 17 new cardinals from 11 different countries, including three from the United States. These appointments should dispel any doubt that a new season is upon us, one that expands our views of the peripheries in several ways: in terms of geography, in terms of what sees are considered important, and in terms of how leaders think about and approach building the church in this era of Francis.”

By the National Catholic Reporter editorial board — Click here to read the rest of this editorial.