INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin says he’s still getting used to the idea that he will be the first sitting cardinal in the archdiocese’s history.
Tobin gave a news conference Monday morning, a day after Pope Francis named him one of 17 new cardinals who will be elevated Nov. 19. Tobin told reporters his initial reaction was “one of shock and a bit of embarrassment.” He says he’s “not quite over it yet.”
Tobin’s promotion is significant because experts say it reflects Francis’ concern for refugees. Tobin openly opposed the position of Indiana Gov. Michael Pence against the settling of Syrian refugees in the state. Last week a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling blocking Pence from keeping state agencies from helping Syrian refugees resettle in the state.
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