Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., took possession of his titular church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Rome on Sept. 27, almost a year after Pope Francis created him cardinal.
CARD. WILTON GREGORY
Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
“I am deeply grateful to Pope Francis for assigning me as Cardinal Priest to this beloved community. I am happier still because the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the United States of America.”
The Cardinal assured the small crowd of parishioners present at the ceremony of his prayers.
CARD. WILTON GREGORY
Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
“Every time I think of this title of Our Lady, I will be united in prayer with you, your families and your priests. And I hope that you too will remember me and the Archdiocese of Washington in your prayers.”
It was a simple and brief ceremony in a small church, but a joyful occasion nonetheless.
GIULIANA
Parishioner
“I also live in Washington. My daughter was born in Washington. So it's a great source of joy for me to be here and share in this moment, in this city, between Rome and Washington.”
Every cardinal is given a titular church in Rome. It's an ancient tradition and reminder of the Pope's unity with cardinals around the world.
