Benedict ordains 21 new priests

Pope Benedict XVI ordained 21 new priests for Rome today, but with the number of fresh recruits for the clergy falling in western Europe, many of the men he ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica came from Latin America and Africa.

Before the 21 men came forward, one by one, to kneel before Benedict and put their hands into his as they pledged loyalty to him, Benedict delivered a homily that sounded like a pep talk.