Vatican City, Jan 6, 2012 / 10:29 am
Pope Benedict XVI named 22 new cardinals on Jan. 6, including two prominent American archbishops.
"This is an honor for these outstanding church leaders as well as an honor for the Church in the United States," said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"As men of prayer, wisdom and dedication, they will bring many talents and graces to their new roles as advisors to the Holy Father."
The Pope also announced a consistory for Feb. 18, at which the new cardinals will be formally elevated to their new rank.