Pope nominates 15 new cardinals

Pope Benedict XVI has named 15 new cardinals, his first nominations since taking over the papacy last year.

The men will be appointed during a ceremony at the Vatican on 24 March.

Among those nominated are Hong Kong's archbishop, an outspoken campaigner for religious freedom in China, and several from the developing world.

Correspondents say the nominations have been keenly awaited in Rome because they are seen as a leading indicator of the Pope's intentions. The rest