Mexican cardinal-designate known for commitment to the poor

Published: 2007-10-25

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal-designate Francisco Robles Ortega of Monterrey is known for his commitment to the poor and is expected to be an effective mediator between liberals and conservatives in the Mexican Catholic Church. The cardinal-designate has focused special attention on poor parishioners in Monterrey, a sprawling industrial city about 100 miles from the border with Texas. After becoming archbishop of Monterrey in 2003, he rotated priests to make sure the most experienced clerics were getting into the disadvantaged neighborhoods as well as preaching at rich parishes in the city center. He also has encouraged an increase in volunteer and charitable work, dispatching missionaries from his archdiocese to poor parts of Mexico and even Central America. "If we are conscious of the importance of our baptism, that the sacrament does not make us members of a club but disciples of Our Lord Jesus, we will assume our responsibility. We will take his project as our own and become missionaries," the cardinal-designate said earlier this year. Cardinal-designate Robles, 58, was one of 23 cardinals named by Pope Benedict XVI Oct. 17.

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