The Holy Father appoints Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal of the Church ANS - Rome) - Today, July 9th, after the Angelus and reflection on the Gospel, Pope Francis announced that the Convocation of the Consistory will be on September 30, for the appointment of 21 new Cardinals. Among the names of the new Cardinals was Rev. Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians. The appointment of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB is a sign of the trust and hope that the Holy Father Pope Francis places in Fr. Ángel and the Salesians of Don Bosco. The inclusion of the new Cardinals in the diocese of Rome also manifests the inseparable bond between the See of Peter and the particular Churches spread throughout the world. Their provenance expresses the universality of the Church that continues to proclaim God's merciful love to all people on earth. The Holy Father concluded the audience by inviting everyone to pray for the new Cardinals: "Let us pray for the new Cardinals, that by confirming their adherence to Christ, the merciful and faithful High Priest (cf. Heb 2:17), they may help me in my ministry as Bishop of Rome for the good of all God's faithful people". Fr Ángel was born on August 21, 1960 in Gozón-Luanco, Asturias, Spain. He made his First Profession on September 3, 1978, his Perpetual Vows on June 17, 1984 in Santiago de Compostela and was ordained a priest on July 4, 1987 in León. Originally from the Province of León, he holds degrees in Pastoral Theology, Philosophy and Pedagogy. He was Delegate for Youth Ministry, Director of the school in Ourense, member of the Provincial Council and Vice Provincial, and from 2000 to 2006 Provincial. After being part of the Preparatory commission which prepared the 26th General Chapter in 2009, he was appointed Provincial of South Argentina, based in Buenos Aires. In this capacity he also got to know and work personally with the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, today Pope Francis. On December 23, 2013 he was appointed Superior of the new Province of Mediterranean Spain, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians.  However, before he could take on this new role, on  March 25, 2014 he was elected by General Chapter 27 as the new Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation and the 10th Successor of Don Bosco. On March 11, 2020 he was confirmed by General Chapter 28 as the Rector Major of the Salesians for the second six-year term from 2020 to 2026.