Chicago, Indy mayors thank Pope Francis for cardinal picks

Oct 9, 2016

|Associated Press

Chicago, Indy mayors thank Pope Francis for cardinal picks — Cardinals and Bishops attend a jubilee mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. Pope Francis has named 17 new cardinals _ 13 of them under age 80 and thus eligible to vote in a conclave to elect his successor. (Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini.)

CHICAGO/INDIANAPOLIS — Mayors in both Chicago and Indianapolis are celebrating the choices of their archbishops as new cardinals of the Catholic Church by Pope Francis.

In Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in his short time in Chicago, Cupich has made a tremendous impact as a voice for the voiceless in the name of inclusion.

Emanuel went on thank Pope Francis for recognizing Cupich’s leadership in both the church and society.

In Indianapolis, Mayor Joe Hogsett says he is pleased Archbishop Joseph Tobin has been elevated to the College of Cardinals.

In his statement, Hogsett said Indianapolis has been blessed by Tobin’s spiritual and civic leadership. He added he looks forward to working with Tobin and the Catholic Church to end poverty and inequality in the city.

Speaking at the end of a special Mass on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said the 17 new cardinals would be elevated on Nov. 19, just ahead of the end of his special jubilee Year of Mercy the next day.

The elevation of Tobin is significant both for the U.S. church and the U.S. election and reflects Francis’ concern for refugees. Tobin openly opposed the position of Indiana Gov. Michael Pence, now the Republican running mate of presidential candidate Donald Trump, against the settling of Syrian refugees in the state.