Pope Francis cleared the way for the canonization of Blessed Charles de Foucauld and six others at an Ordinary Public Consistory held at the Vatican on Monday. De Foucauld is noted for his life as a hermit among the Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert in French North Africa. Although he became an agnostic as

Pope Francis has called an Ordinary Public Consistory to consider seven causes for canonization, including that of Blessed Charles de Foucauld. At the Consistory, set for Monday, May 3, Cardinals resident in Rome or who are present in city will vote on whether to proceed with the canonizations of the Blesseds. The Vatican has noted

Eight new cardinal electors and five new members of the College without voting rights.

The new cardinals come from 11 nations, including Iraq and Pakistan

Cardinals are not called to be 'princes of the Church' but to be servants to their people, Francis said

Holy Father creates 17 new cardinals from 11 nations

The consistory on June 20 is scheduled to approve the canonisations of four men and one woman, including Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity

Pontiff urges 19 new members of College of Cardinals to beware of 'the mortal danger of pent-up anger'