Statement of the Archdiocese of Chicago on the Appointment of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory as Cardinal
The Archdiocese of Chicago rejoices in the appointment of Chicago native, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, to the College of Cardinals in the Catholic Church. His brother priests, many of whom he helped form, and the people of the archdiocese he served join in offering our heartful congratulations. Cardinal Gregory, who came to the Catholic faith as a student in an archdiocese grammar school, went on to become a strong leader in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the Church and society. In his years as president of the United States Conference of Bishops and beyond, he has been at the forefront of moving the Church to repair the damage of child sexual abuse and confronting racism in all its forms.
“We are grateful to Pope Francis for his appointment today of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory as Cardinal of the Catholic Church,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “While we take particular pride in this recognition of a dedicated priest, whom we are proud to claim as our own we are also moved that Pope Francis chose this compassionate, thoughtful pastor when our nation and the world are in desperate need of healing and courageous leadership.”