Cardinal-designate Levada to be first to get red hat from pope

Published: 2006-02-22

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal-designate William J. Levada was Pope Benedict XVI's first major appointee as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Now, because of his rank and experience, the archbishop will be the first in line to receive his red hat at a special consistory March 24 at the Vatican. The pope announced names of the new cardinals Feb. 22. Cardinal-designate Levada, 69, was appointed last May as the pope's successor to head the doctrinal congregation, the Vatican agency charged with protecting and promoting the church's teachings on faith and morals. It was the first time a U.S. prelate has headed the congregation, which is the oldest of the Vatican's nine congregations and is considered primary in responsibility and influence.

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