Ecuadorian Cardinal will help elect a new Pope

Raul Vega Chiriboga

Raul Vela Chiriboga, Ecuadorian Cardinal received the cardinal investiture in Rome on November 20, 2010. The ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, was presided by the Holy Father Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI welcomed Vela and stressed that as “prince of the Church” Vela becomes part of “coetus peculiaris“, which is a select group “that provides immediate and frequent collaboration” to the Pontiff.

Now, Cardinal Raul Vela will be among those invited to participate in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

To be part of that group the cardinals must be less than 80 years. Vela Chiriboga turned 79 on January 1st, according to the website of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference.

Benedict XVI welcomes Raul Vela.

Vela Chiriboga, by being part of the College of Cardinals, can can choose and be chosen as the future pontiff.