English Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe OP has been named by Pope Francis as one of the newest members of the College of Cardinals.
The formal consistory for the creation of new cardinals took place at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Saturday December 7.
As a member of the College of Cardinals, Father Radcliffe will serve as an advisor to the Pope and assist him in the exercise of his responsibilities for the Catholic Church throughout the world. 
Father Radcliffe first rose to international prominence within the Catholic world in 1992 when he became the first Englishman in the 800-year history of his order to be elected master, overseeing the work of the friars in more than 100 countries.
He was a popular leader, chiefly remembered for his inspiring rearticulation of the monastic vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. 
A willingness to draw traditional ideas into dialogue with contemporary experience has been characteristic of Father Radcliffe’s teaching, preaching and writing.
He has consistently encouraged the Church to go beyond the ideological divisions of wider society and find unity in a common search for truth.
Pope Francis chose him to act as Spiritual Father to the recent Synod on Synodality in Rome and some commentators have detected his influence in the Synod’s final document.
Upon finishing his term as master in 2001, Father Radcliffe dedicated himself to preaching and writing.
His publications include What Is the Point of Being a Christian? (which won the Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing), Why go to Church? and Alive in God: A Christian Imagination.
Father Nicholas Crowe OP, provincial of the English Province of the Order of Preachers (also knowns as the Dominicans), said: “I have always been inspired by Father Timothy’s confidence in the power of good conversation – even with those we disagree with – to heal division and build friendship. His elevation to the College of Cardinals is a moment of profound joy for all.”
Father Radcliffe said: “I am deeply grateful for this totally unexpected honour. I hope to be at the service of the Holy Father in whatever way he wishes, as a Dominican brother, rooted in the fraternity of the order.”