Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday named Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl and 23 other Catholic leaders from around the world to join the elite College of Cardinals.
Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday named Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl and 23 other Catholic leaders from around the world to join the elite College of Cardinals.
Pope Benedict has made a wise decision in elevating Archbishop Wuerl to join the College of Cardinals. I remember the Archbishop when he was still the Roman Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh. It impressed me greatly that such a busy man made time on the anniversary of his elevation to bishop to have lunch with the children and staff of what is now Angels’ Place of Pittsburgh. These little ones, whose single, low-income student moms were at school completing their education, will have the memory of the kind bishop who chose to celebrate his special day with them.
Not to downplay Wuerl (and I appreciate Betsy’s story), but I do miss McCarrick. I was once listening to an NPR religious forum, with representatives from Christianity, Judaism and Islam discussing faith and religious toleration. By some insanity, their sole chosen spokesperson for whole of Christendom was Jane Dixon, retired suffragan of Washington. I don’t know how or why I endured the ensuing discussion (I think it was that the rabbi and imam on the panel were more engaging speakers). The very next segment on NPR that day was an interview with Cardinal McCarrick. Suffice it to say after a half hour listening to Dixon and McCarrick, I nearly swam the Tiber right then and there.
I’m thrilled to see Abp. Burke on the list and very happy for Abp Wuerl (who is overseeing the implementation of Anglicanorum Coetibus in the US).
I’m also excited to see Abp. Burke elevated to the cardinalate. Take a look at his wonderful statement regarding the news:
http://stlouisreview.com/article/2010-10-20/statement-cardinal