MESSAGE ON THE ELEVATION OF ABP. ROSALES
TO THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS

The CBCP gladly welcomes the news of Archbishop Rosales' elevation to the College of Cardinals. The CBCP likewise profoundly thank His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for honoring one of its members, the Archbishop of Manila, with the dignity of a Cardinal. The CBCP joins the Archdiocese of Manila in its rejoicing over the promotion of Archbishop Rosales.

Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales joins the line of Filipino Cardinals which includes Rufino Cardinal Santos, Julio Cardinal Rosales and Jaime Cardinal Sin. The two living Cardinals are Jose Cardinal Sanchez, who is retired in the Vatican, and Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, the Archbishop of Cebu.

The most important function of Cardinals in the Church is to elect the Roman Pontiff who usually comes from their rank. We enjoin everyone to pray for our new Cardinal in his new ministry in the Church.

+Angel N. Lagdameo, DD
Archbishop of Jaro
President, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines