Pope Francis announced on Sunday that he will elevate 21 clerics to the rank of cardinal, once again putting his stamp on the group that will one day choose his successor after his death or resignation, Reuters reported, according to Agerpres.

The official installation of cardinals, known as a consistory, will take place on September 30, Pope Francis, 86, announced during a lunchtime prayer to pilgrims and tourists in St Peter’s Square.

Eighteen clerics are under the age of 80 and will be able to take part in a possible conclave to elect the next pope. The other three, who are over 80 years old and too old to vote at the conclave, were appointed in recognition of their long service to the Church.

All cardinals, regardless of age, can participate in pre-conclave meetings called “general congregations” where they can express their opinion on who they think the younger cardinals should elect.

The new cardinals come from countries such as the United States, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, Spain, Colombia, South Sudan, Hong Kong, Poland, Malaysia, Tanzania and Portugal.

Three new cardinals were recently appointed to head important Vatican departments, including Argentine Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal department.

Another important appointment is Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-Yang of Hong Kong. Chow is one of the most important links to the Catholic Church in Communist China, where the Vatican is trying to improve conditions for Catholics.