Former CNS director to gain papal knighthood

Published: 2004-06-02

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Thomas N. Lorsung, the retired director and editor in chief of Catholic News Service, will be invested as a Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great, according to a May 28 announcement from the Baltimore Archdiocese. Pope John Paul II bestowed the knighthood at the request of Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore, in whose archdiocese Lorsung lives. The honor will be conferred at a ceremony in Baltimore later this year. The knighthood dates back to 1831 and is one of the highest papal honors a layperson can receive. It recognizes an individual's meritorious service to the church and personal character and reputation. Lorsung has been a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications since 1995. He retired last December after 15 years at the helm of Catholic News Service, the second-longest tenure in the service's history. He began at the news service in Washington in 1972 as photo editor and also served as news editor and managing editor before being named director and editor in chief in 1989.

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