Pope Francis Elevates Archbishop Wilton Gregory to Cardinal

This week, Pope Francis elevated Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. to the status of Cardinal. Gregory, the former bishop of Belleville, Illinois, will become the first Black bishop from the United States to be given this honor. Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the USCCB, issued this statement following the appointment: "By naming Archbishop Wilton Gregory as a Cardinal, Pope Francis is sending a powerful message of hope and inclusion to the Church in the United States. As a former president of our national bishops' conference, Archbishop Gregory displayed generous and principled leadership. The naming of the first African American cardinal from the United States gives us an opportunity to pause and offer thanks for the many gifts African American Catholics have given the Church. Please join me in praying for the continued ministry of Archbishop Gregory."