Pope says to create 19 cardinals next month

VATICAN CITY, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Sunday he will elevate 19 prelates to the rank of cardinal on Feb. 22, his first appointments to the elite group of men who can one day elect his successor.

The new cardinals come from Europe, Africa and Asia.

(Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Janet Lawrence)

((philip.pullella@thomsonreuters.com))

Keywords: POPE CARDINALS/