Church leaders welcome news that Archbishop Nichols is to be a Cardinal

News that the Archbishop Vincent Nichols is to be made a Cardinal at next month's Consistory in Rome on 22 February, has been welcomed by church leaders and individuals around the country. The Archbishops of Birmingham, Southwark and Cardiff, are among many who have already sent messages of congratulation and support.

Archbishop Bernard Longley

“I am delighted at the wonderful news that Archbishop Vincent Nichols is to become a Cardinal at next month’s consistory in Rome. On behalf of all the clergy, religious communities and parishes of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, his home for many years, I offer our warmest congratulations and the assurance of our prayers. I look forward to inviting our new Cardinal to Birmingham so that we can welcome him and pray for him in his former Cathedral.”
 
The Most Reverend Bernard Longley
Archbishop of Birmingham

Archbishop Peter Smith

Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark, Vice-President of the Bishops’ Conference said: “On behalf of his brother Bishops and the Catholic community in England and Wales, I offer Archbishop Vincent our heartiest congratulations as the 11th Archbishop of Westminster to be made a Cardinal.

We assure him of our prayers and ask for God’s blessing as he generously takes on these new responsibilities in assisting the Holy Father in the governance of the universal Church.”

Archbishop George Stack

On behalf of the Archdiocese of Cardiff, I have sent prayerful good wishes and congratulations to Archbishop Vincent Nichols on his elevation to the College of Cardinals.

On a personal note, I have been privileged to work with him for over twenty years. Firstly when he was Secretary to the Bishops Conference of England and Wales . Then when he was Auxiliary Bishop to Cardinal Basil Hume followed by his time as Archbishop of Birmingham. For two years before coming to Cardiff I was his Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Westminster.

He is a man of great gifts with tremendous insight and dedication. He has a profound love of the Church and of all God’s people. Catholics in England and Wales are truly blessed in their new Cardinal.

+George Stack
Archbishop of Cardiff

Thai Children's Trust

Thai Children's Trust is thrilled by the news that the Holy Father chosen our patron to become a Cardinal. Archbishop Nichols' statement makes clear his sense of the historic tradition of the appointment and his quiet humility in accepting it. Our prayers are for him as this huge additional responsibility is laid upon him.

Andrew Scadding
Director, Thai Children's Trust

SPEC

Congratulations to our Archbishop, Vincent Nichols, on the announcement that he is to be made Cardinal in February. Let's all pray for him as he prepares for this new role.

Caritas Social Action Network

"I am delighted to hear the news that Archbishop Vincent Nichols will be made a Cardinal by Pope Francis. On behalf of CSAN's charities, I would like to offer our congratulations and prayers. "

"Archbishop Vincent Nichols has been an ardent champion of Catholic Charities in their work to tackle poverty and disadvantage. With these new responsibilities, I know he will continue in taking up Pope Francis' call to be a Church for the Poor here in the UK"

Helen O'Brien, Chief Executive of CSAN 

See also: ICN 12 January 2014 Anglican Bishops congratulate Vincent Nichols www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=23939