I am deeply humbled and honored by the announcement that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI intends to name me to the College of Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church at the Consistory which he has convoked for this coming November 20th. Having received the news of the Holy Father’s intention, I express my deepest gratitude to His Holiness for the great confidence which he has placed in me, and I renew my commitment to serve Him, as Shepherd of the universal Church, in total fidelity and with all my being.

Pope Benedict appointed 24 cardinals in all, 20 of whom are under 80 years of age. Only those under 80 can participate in a papal conclave. The other American is Archbishop Donald Wuerl, of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Extensive comments by both Americans can be found at the Catholic News Agency.

His stand for the Word of God has caused some discomfort in the District’s Catholic community. Those upset are in two camps: Those who call themselves Catholic but don’t subscribe to the Church’s teachings and those who just can’t believe an American bishop won’t pull the liberal go-along line. After all, American bishops are supposed to support liberal social justice measures but stay quiet on abortion and marriage. They are shocked!

Of course, as written here before, the U.S. Bishops, unfortunately, are a bit naive. They play to the liberal social justice crowd and can’t understand why those types turn on them when they stand up for Biblical teachings. But, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, and now the liberals are upset that Archbishop Wuerl has told D.C. that if it legalizes same-sex marriage, Catholic Charities will put the breaks on its services in the city.

Unfortunately, the city council did vote 11-2 today to legalize homosexual marriage (see Post again, here). It is the first of two votes needed, but final passage and Mayor Adrian Fenty’s signature appear all but guaranteed.

There is some good news, however, in the culture war, according to the Washington Times. After Maine voters rejected homosexual marriage during last month’s elections, the New Jersey and New York legislatures have slowed down their marches to destroy the meaning of marriage.