The Latest: Bishop learns from webcast of promotion

CHICAGO (AP) - The Latest on the appointments by Pope Francis of his first U.S. cardinals. (all times local):

4:20 p.m.

Bishop Kevin Farrell, former head of the Dallas Catholic diocese, had left the city on Thursday to take up residence and a prominent Vatican post in Rome.

Dallas diocese spokeswoman Annette Gonzales Taylor said Farrell had no inkling that he’d be promoted to cardinal. He was shocked when he learned of his selection with the rest of the world while watching Pope Francis’ Angelus webcast early Sunday.

In a statement issued by the Dallas diocese, Farrell said, “I am humbled by the news this morning that our Holy Father Pope Francis has named me to the College of Cardinals. I ask all in the Diocese of Dallas to please pray for me that I may to the best of my ability fulfill this sacred duty to our Church.”

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3 p.m.

Chicago’s Roman Catholic archbishop says he learned in a 5 a.m. call from Rome that Pope Francis was elevating him from archbishop to cardinal.

Blase Cupich joked with reporters after Mass Sunday at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral that he didn’t mind being awakened given the pleasant news. But he says he usually sleeps until 7 a.m. on Sundays and that he’d miss the two extra hours of sleep he normally gets.

Cupich was one of 17 new cardinals named Sunday by Pope Francis. Cupich said he was humbled by the honor.

Another reporter asked Cupich how his relatives would react to word he’s becoming a cardinal. He laughed and said he expected them to treat him “with the same lack of deference that they have in the past.”

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10:45 a.m.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is congratulating Roman Catholic Archbishop Blase Cupich on his elevation to cardinal.

Cupich was one of 17 new cardinals named Sunday by Pope Francis, among them Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin and Kevin Farrell, the outgoing bishop of Dallas.

The three men are moderates who follow Francis’ emphasis on mercy over rules.

Speaking at the end of a special Mass on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said the 17 would be elevated at a consistory on Nov. 19, on the eve of the close to his Holy Year of Mercy.

In a statement, Emanuel said in his short time in Chicago, Cupich has made a tremendous impact as a voice for the voiceless in the name of inclusion.

Emanuel went on thank Pope Francis for recognizing Cupich’s leadership in both the church and society.

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10:05 a.m.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says he is pleased the city’s Roman Catholic archbishop has been elevated to cardinal.

Pope Francis on Sunday named 17 new cardinals, including Archbishop Joseph Tobin.

In his statement, Hogsett said Indianapolis has been blessed by Tobin’s spiritual and civic leadership. He added he looks forward to working with Tobin and the Catholic Church to end poverty and inequality in the city.

Speaking at the end of a special Mass on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said the 17 would be elevated on Nov. 19.

The elevation of Tobin is significant both for the U.S. church and the U.S. election and reflects Francis’ concern for refugees. Tobin openly opposed the position of Indiana Gov. Michael Pence, now the Republican running mate of presidential candidate Donald Trump, against the settling of Syrian refugees in the state.

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9:13 a.m.

Roman Catholic Archbishop Blase Cupich says his elevation to cardinal of Chicago’s archdiocese is both humbling and encouraging.

Pope Francis named 17 new cardinals Sunday, including Cupich and Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin.

In a statement, Cupich said when he was appointed archbishop two years ago, he committed wholeheartedly to serve the people of Chicago.

Cupich says the role of cardinal brings new responsibilities, but he will continue to work on renewing the church and “preparing it to thrive in the decades ahead.”

Cupich is considered a pastor in Francis’ likeness, emphasizing the merciful and welcoming side of the church. His nomination as Chicago archbishop was Francis’ first major U.S. appointment and he was a papal appointee at the pope’s family synod last year.

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8:11 a.m.

Pope Francis looked to the American Midwest when picking his first U.S. cardinals.

The Vatican announced Sunday that Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich and Archbishop Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis, Indiana, will become cardinals in a Rome ceremony Nov. 19.

Francis also picked Bishop Kevin Farrell for the honor. Farrell has led the Diocese of Dallas, but is leaving for a prominent Vatican post.

The three men are moderates who follow Francis’ emphasis on mercy over rules.

Tobin drew national attention this year for rejecting a request from Indiana Gov. Mike Pence for the church to stop settling Syrian refugees in the state. Pence is the Republican nominee for vice president and running mate of Donald Trump, who has proposed deporting illegal immigrants and banning entry of Muslims from other countries.