Pope Francis will install former Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and 12 other prelates from around the world into the influential College of Cardinals during a special ceremony in Rome on Saturday.
Gregory becomes the first African American from the United States to be elevated as a cardinal.
» Cardinal-elect Wilton D. Gregory’s installation | WATCH LIVE HERE
He was the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2001 to 2004
Gregory served as the head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta since 2005. Last May, he was installed on May 21, 2019 as the seventh archbishop of Washington.
“With a very grateful and humble heart, I thank Pope Francis for this appointment which will allow me to work more closely with him in caring for Christ’s Church,” said Cardinal-elect Gregory in a previous statement.
St. Peter’s Altar of the Chair ready for tomorrow’s consistory to create new cardinals, including @WashArchbishop Gregory. Pews replaced by socially distanced chairs for the congregation of just 100 people. pic.twitter.com/LHzl5FTwTr
— Cindy Wooden (@Cindy_Wooden) November 27, 2020
Cardinals wear the special ring and signature red hat. According to the Vatican News the color " in their distinctive dress symbolizes: their willingness to sacrifice themselves usque ad sanguinis effusionem, “to the point of shedding their own blood.”.
The pandemic, though, has forced some change, including keeping some participants at home and limiting the number of in-person participants in St. Peter’s Basilica, according to the Vatican News.
The Catholic News Service reported that Gregory left for Rome early so he could quarantine before the installation.
Friends in Christ, In NYC about to board a flight to Rome for the Consistory. My heart brings the people that I have tried to serve & love in Chicago, Belleville, Atlanta & now DC. Keep me in your prayers as I welcome Pope Francis' invitation to assist him in his service .+WDG
— Cardinal Gregory (@WashArchbishop) November 17, 2020
Here’s how to watch the historic moment, which will be livestreamed and on the Eternal Word Television Network.
Vatican Media Live English Channel on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCDr9ft0Ym4, beginning at 10 a.m. (4 p.m. Rome time).
The event will also be shared on the Archdiocese of Washington home page, and the archdiocesan Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram pages.
A dedicated Rome Consistory page on the archdiocesan website also provides viewing information, resources on the Consistory, and information about Cardinal-designate Gregory and his vocational journey, at adw.org/about-us/who-we-are/rome-consistory/ to learn more.
On Sunday, November 29, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass with the new cardinals for the First Sunday of Advent. The Mass will be livestreamed at 4 a.m. Eastern Time (10 a.m. Rome Time) on the Vatican Media Live English Channel on YouTube and also on the Eternal Word Television Network.
