Pope says will make new group of cardinals next month

Pope Francis said on Sunday he would elevate five Roman Catholic prelates to the high rank of cardinal, the elite group of churchmen who are his closest advisors and can enter a conclave to choose his successor if they are under 80.

The pope made the surprise announcement during his weekly Sunday address. He said the men came from Mali, Spain, Sweden, Laos and El Salvador and the ceremony to elevate them, known as a consistory, would take place on June 28.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)