The pope has named 17 new cardinals from Africa, Asia, South America, Oceania and Europe.
13 of those chosen are under the age of 80 and, as such, are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect his successor.
The religious leaders will be elevated at a consistory on November 19th, on the eve of the close to his Holy Year of Mercy.
Three of the new cardinals are Americans, including leading US moderate Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich and Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin.
Archbishop Cupich is similar to the current pontiff in many ways, emphasising the merciful and welcoming side of the church - somewhat to the dismay of US conservative Catholics.
Significantly, only one Italian elector was named: Francis' ambassador to "the beloved and martyred Syria", Cardinal-elect Mario Zenari.
Pope Francis became the leader of Catholics in 2013 and is the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, he succeeded Pope Benedict XVI.
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