Franciscans International is very proud that two of its partners have been elevated to Cardinals by Pope Francis.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu OFM Cap, Archbishop of Kinshasa started working with FI when he was President of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Capuchin order. Later, when he became Bishop and President of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Episcopal Conference of DR Congo, he continued working with FI especially with a focus on the exploitation of minerals in his country. He sees his elevation to Cardinal as a recognition by the Pope of efforts to give voice to the suffering people.
Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini, Bishop of the Diocese of Huehuetenango recently worked together with FI at the United Nations and testified how people in Guatemala have been negatively affected by the impact of extractive industries.
Franciscans International wishes God’s blessings on these two new Cardinals and hopes that their elevation may strengthen their voice to defend the rights and dignity of those who are excluded.