Pope Francis has chosen 21 new cardinals in a move that once again shows his determination to reshape the group of churchmen who will elect his successor.

But while Francis, 87, has now named some 80% of the prelates who will choose the next pope, those who study the church say his choices - often of low-profile churchmen from distant countries, many of whom barely know each other - are not meant to smooth the way for a preferred heir.

ROME — Pope Francis named 21 new cardinals Sunday, significantly increasing the size of the College of Cardinals and further cementing his mark on the group of prelates who will one day elect his successor.