Pope Benedict has named six new cardinals from around the world to serve in an elite group of prelates who will one day select a new pope.

The six newest members of the Vatican's College of Cardinals hail from the United States, Lebanon, India, Nigeria, Colombia and the Philippines.

The Roman Catholic Church leader announced the appointments during his general audience Wednesday. He says the appointment ceremony, known as a consistory, will take place on November 24.

The announcement follows the death of several cardinals in recent months and will bring the number of those eligible to vote in papal elections to 122.