 On 20 October 2010, Pope Benedict XVI announced Monsignor Bartolucci's appointment to the College of Cardinals in the consistory scheduled for 20 November, recognising him for his service to the Church in the area of sacred ecclesiastical Catholic Church music (music used in the Catholic Church's principal liturgical celebrations, especially the Eucharist – the Mass, liturgical processions, rites such as marriages and funerals, and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction).He was created Cardinal-Deacon of "Santissimi Nomi di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata", usually referred to as Gesù e Maria.At his elevation, Bartolucci became the fourth-oldest member of the College.