QUEBEC CITY, QC, January 13, 2014 — The Catholic Civil Rights League congratulates Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec City on his elevation by Pope Francis to the College of Cardinals and wishes him many years of continued service. Archbishop Lacroix was one of 19 men named cardinal by Pope Francis in an announcement made January 12 to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square.
“We have always appreciated Cardinal-designate Lacroix’s leadership on matters of religious freedom, especially during the recent debates on Quebec’s proposed Charter of Values,” said League President Phil Horgan. “We wish him many years of leadership and service to the Church.”
Archbishop Lacroix is the only Canadian among those named in the Pope’s first selection of cardinals, which includes churchmen from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The ceremony to formally install the men as cardinals will be Feb. 22 at the Vatican.
He will become Canada’s third cardinal, joining Toronto’s Cardinal Thomas Collins and Montreal’s Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte. Canadian-born Cardinal Marc Oullet, who was formerly the Archbishop of Quebec, now serves in the Vatican.
Lacroix elevated to cardinal, Catholic Register, January 14, 2014
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization and has chapters across Canada. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information:
Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca