Pope joins newest cardinals for Mass at the Vatican

Pope Francis was joined by church's newest cardinals during Mass on Sunday, in Saint Peter's Basilica.

Eleven of 13 new cardinals sat near central altar of basilica, where Francis on Saturday h bestowed upon m red hats symbolising y are now so-called princes of church.

Two of new cardinals couldn’t make it to Rome because of pandemic travel complications.

freshly-minted cardinals who did come to Vatican wore protective masks and purple vestments, as Church began solemn liturgical season of vent in run-up to Christmas.

Being chosen to he Vatican departments or eventually becoming pope mselves could be in any of se new cardinals’ future.

Francis has often warned against clericalism during his papacy, and he picked up on that me in Sunday's homily.

"If we are awaited in Heaven, why should we be caught up with earthly concerns? Why should we be anxious about money, fame, success, all of which will fe away?" pope said.

Among those raised to cardinal's rank on Saturday by Francis was current archbishop of Washington, Wilton Gregory, first African-American cardinal.

Francis in his homily recommended charity as way for Church to stay on mission.

During Angelus blessing afterwards, pope said prayers for 13 news cardinals.

He also expressed solidarity with Colombian islands of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina, hit hard by Hurricane Iota, and urged people to consider positive aspects of coronavirus pandemic, such as helping neighbours in need.

(Image Credit: AP)