Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday designated Caracas Archbishop Jorge Urosa Sabino as cardinal.

The Pope made the announcement following his regular hearing Wednesday at the Paul VI hall in the Vatican, AFP reported.

Urosa Sabino will be the only Latin American bishop to be officially granted the title of cardinal during the first consistory, next March 24th.

Urosa Sabino (63) is among 15 new cardinals, including 12 who are under 80.

Monsignor Urosa Sabino was named Caracas Archbishop in September 2005. He is currently the second vice-president of the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference (CEV.)