Brady ‘taken aback’ by his elevation

ARCHBISHOP Seán Brady said yesterday he was “humbled” after the Vatican announced he was to be made cardinal.

The Cavan-born Primate of All Ireland will be elevated at a ceremony with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome next month.

The 68-year-old Archbishop of Armagh will join Cardinal Cahal Daly and Cardinal Desmond Connell, giving Ireland three cardinals for the first time in history.

Pope Benedict made the announcement yesterday at the end of his weekly audience in St Peter’s Square, the Vatican, while revealing the creation of 24 cardinals.

Reacting to the news, Dr Brady said it was a sign of praise for Ireland.

He had been “taken aback” by the announcement.

“I did not expect it to take place so soon. I certainly did not expect Ireland to be included on this occasion.

“After all, this will be the first time in history that Ireland will have three cardinals.”

The Pope’s decision was a “recognition” of work done by Irish priests and lay people through difficult times for the church, he added.

“This announcement is about them — about the families and individuals who in spite of the great challenges faced by the Church in Ireland in recent years, of the many reasons to feel hurt or unheard or uncertain, have remained faithful to the message of Jesus in their everyday lives.”

The decision to elevate him to cardinal was also a recognition of peace on the island of Ireland, attendees at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh were told.

“I know that the continued success of the political institutions in Northern Ireland and the effort to move to the deeper dimensions of reconciliation, are matters close to the heart of the Pope.

“I believe this announcement is in part an expression of his desire to see that process continue to succeed and become a model for the rest of the world.”

Tributes were paid by officials on both sides of the Border yesterday.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Dr Brady was a “committed ecumenist”.

“The success of the peace process and the restoration of devolved administration has been, as the Holy Father has publicly acknowledged, a sign of hope for all of those across the world who struggle for peace and reconciliation in the face of violence and civil strife,” he said.

Dr Brady’s elevation to cardinal means he will have the right to vote in a papal election, unlike Ireland’s other two cardinals who have passed 80 years of age.

Tributes were also paid by President Mary McAleese, members of the Dáil as well as ministers from Northern Ireland’s assembly.

Dr Brady will be created cardinal in Rome on Saturday, November 24.