American archbishop is named a cardinal

PHILADELPHIA — Archbishop Justin Rigali, known for his quiet leadership and worldwide experience that ranged from heading the Vatican's diplomatic school to working in Madagascar, was named a cardinal on Sunday, the only American in a group of 31 new cardinals named by Pope John Paul II.

Rigali, 68, has led the Archdiocese of St. Louis since 1994 and is to be installed as archbishop of Philadelphia next month. Of the American archbishops who are also cardinals, he has the richest experience on the Vatican staff.

"It's a great honor to be part of the pope's council," Rigali said as he entered the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, Mo., where he was attending a Mass and investiture ceremony for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

"It's kind of a bittersweet moment for us. He's been our spiritual father for nine and a half years," St. Louis Archdiocese Vicar General Monsignor Richard Stika said Sunday shortly after speaking with Rigali.

He said Rigali found out within the past few days that he was likely to be named cardinal and confirmed it late Saturday. He described Rigali's reaction as "humble excitement."

Rigali was appointed in July to succeed Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, Philadelphia's archbishop for 15 years, and will be installed in an Oct. 7 ceremony. Bevilacqua, who turned 80 in June, is retiring as leader of the Philadelphia archdiocese's 1.5 million Catholics.

Like Bevilacqua, Rigali is a conservative with close Vatican ties.

A friend of Pope John Paul II, he held various Vatican positions over three decades before being sent to St. Louis in 1994.

Two of those positions would be held only by a highly trusted insider: president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the school for Vatican diplomats that is considered the Vatican's West Point, and secretary of the Congregation for Bishops, which made him the No. 2 man in the office that recommends bishops to the pope for appointment worldwide.

Rigali "is very much in the mentality of the current pontificate," said Kenneth Parker, an associate professor of historical theology at Saint Louis University who is active with an advocacy group for survivors of clergy abuse. "Rigali is very much a part of John Paul II's vision of church, a conservative man, who is very reluctant to say anything that isn't vetted and endorsed by the pope."