Pope gives new cardinals rings, symbols of union with church

Published: 2006-03-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Placing a special ring on the fingers of 15 new cardinals, Pope Benedict XVI emphasized their relationship with him and with the universal church. "The ring is always a nuptial sign," he told the new cardinals during the Mass March 25, the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. "May your acceptance of the ring be for you a renewal of your 'yes,' your 'here I am,' addressed both to the Lord Jesus who chose you ... and to his holy church, which you are called to serve with the love of a spouse," the pope said in his homily. U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was the first to kneel on a cushion in front of the pope, extend his right hand and receive his ring. With each cardinal, including Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, the pope slipped the ring on the finger and said, "Receive the ring from the hand of Peter and know that with the love of the prince of the apostles your love for the church will be reinforced."

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