C Archbishop Wilton Gregory, who became the first African American to hold the high rank Francis placed upon him and the others the traditional red hat known as a Beretta.

Gregory had made headlines in June when he blasted President Donald Trump's visit to a Catholic shrine after police and soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters so that the president could be photographed in front of the historic Washington church.

Holding a Bible, Gregory told Reuters this week he wants to see common ground with President elect Joe Biden, despite disagreements on issues such as abortion.

With each ceremony, Francis has boosted the odds that his successor will be a non European.

He has so far appointed 18 cardinals from mostly far flung countries that never had won.

Nine of the 13 confirmed Saturday are eligible to enter a secret conclave to choose the next pope.

Francis has appointed more than half of 128 cardinal electors.

Most of them share his vision of UM or inclusive and outward looking church.

After the ceremony, Pope Francis and some of the new cardinals paid a visit to former Pope Benedict.