CHICAGO (AP) -- Pope Francis announced Sunday that Archbishop Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis and Archbishop Blase Cupich from Chicago will become cardinals in a Rome ceremony Nov. 19.
Tobin was appointed archbishop of Indianapolis in 2012.
Tobin drew national attention this year for rejecting a request from Gov. Mike Pence for the church to stop settling Syrian refugees in the state. Pence is the Republican nominee for vice president and running mate of Donald Trump, who has proposed deporting illegal immigrants and banning entry of Muslims from other countries.
RELATED | Vatican names Archbishop Joseph Tobin head of Indianapolis archdiocese| Archbishop Tobin: We will continue welcoming refugees
Tobin posted his initial reaction to the news via Twitter:
I am shocked beyond words by the decision of the Holy Father. Please pray for me.
— Joe Tobin (@JoeTobin) October 9, 2016
He later released a statement:
“Early this morning I learned that Pope Francis had appointed me to the College of Cardinals. I will formally be installed in that service in a ceremony in Rome next month. I will continue as the Archbishop of Indianapolis. I have come to love deeply the people of the Catholic communities of central and southern Indiana and count as a precious blessing the numerous friendships I have with civic and religious leaders throughout the state. I ask all people of faith to pray for me. I hope this new responsibility will make me a better servant of all Hoosiers. I also offer my prayers and support to the other Cardinals-elect, especially Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago and Archbishop Kevin Farrell, of Dallas, who was recently appointed to a new position in Rome.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released a statement on the news:
“I am happy to offer my sincere congratulations to Indianapolis Catholics and Archbishop Joseph Tobin for his well-deserved naming as a Cardinal. Our city has been blessed by both his spiritual and civic leadership, and I look forward to working with Cardinal Tobin and the Catholic Church as we seek to end poverty and inequality here in Indianapolis.”
Before Tobin's appointment in Indianapolis, he served as the Archbishop Secretary of the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. He has also served as a parish priest in the inner city in Detroit and Chicago.
Francis also picked Bishop Kevin Farrell for the honor. Farrell has led the Diocese of Dallas, but is leaving for a prominent Vatican post.
The three men are moderates who follow Francis' emphasis on mercy over rules.
