The new cardinals come from five continents, and include the Vatican's envoy to Syria.
The range of backgrounds "represents a break with custom", said the BBC's David Willey in Rome.
Pope Francis has now chosen close to a third of the College of Cardinals who will ultimately pick who succeeds him.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote on the next Pope. Thirteen of those named cardinals on Saturday are under 80, and are now eligible to succeed him.
