Texas prelate says his elevation recognizes church's growth in region

Published: 2007-10-18

HOUSTON (CNS) -- Cardinal-designate Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston called Pope Benedict XVI's decision to name him a cardinal "very humbling and surprising," but also said it illustrates the Vatican's recognition of the church's growth "in the Southern part of the United States." The cardinal-designate, the first from a Texas diocese, made the comments at an Oct. 17 news conference in Houston. Pope Benedict named 23 new cardinals, including the Texas archbishop and U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley, grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. The announcement came at the end of the pope's weekly general audience Oct. 17. He said he would formally install the cardinals during a special consistory at the Vatican Nov. 24. "I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for his kindness in appointing me and for his trust in allowing me to be placed in the College of Cardinals," Cardinal-designate DiNardo said in his opening statement at the midday news conference at the downtown chancery.

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