Timothy Radcliff is a Dominican and is one of the protagonists of the Synod. The Pope decided to make him a cardinal and has confirmed his participation in the consistory of December 7 at St. Peter's.
However, he made a request to the Pope: to continue to wear his habit. And the Pope accepted. He said this in an interview with the BBC. He has not been the only one to make that choice. It is common to see Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley with his Franciscan habit or the preacher of the Pontifical Household, Raniero Cantalamessa, dressed as a Capuchin.
Radcliffe will be 80 years old in August 2025 and in April he had already publicly indicated that he had been going through significant health problems. Therefore, everything points to the fact that the intention of his appointment as cardinal is due to a desire for recognition by the Pope.
In addition, Radcliffe is a Dominican, so he wears white. So it will be common to see two figures in that color at non-solemn Vatican events; the Pope and him. In fact, the white of the pontiffs' habit was a contribution that came from another Dominican who was elected pope in the 16th century.
TR: JD
