By tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, the Sacred College of Cardinals may number 70 prelates. But until two years ago it was always short of this plenum by at least three or four members. Reason was that, should a Pope die suddenly, his successor might wish immediately to make cardinals of his best friends and working associates. Impatient of tradition, Pope Pius XI brought the Sacred College up to 69 two years ago. Continuing a policy of creating cardinals as deaths occurred in the College, the Holy Father last week let it be announced...
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