Pope Benedict to Elevate Archbishop O'Brien to Cardinal
By Dean Jones Jr. and Mary Gail Hare
The nation's oldest Catholic diocese can once again claim one of the highest ranking members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy as its leader. Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, spiritual leader of the Baltimore diocese since 2007, was named a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI on Friday and, at an official ceremony next month, becomes the fourth bishop in a 223-year history of the episcopal see to be so honored. "This is great cause for rejoicing for me and my friends," O'Brien said in a phone interview Friday while overlooking the dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. O'Brien, 72, has been splitting his time between the Rome and Baltimore since August, when he was appointed grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a position traditionally filled by a cardinal. The predominantly lay order, which dates to the 11th Century Crusades, ministers to Christians and those of other faiths in historical Palestine. He also has a caretaker role as apostolic administrator in Baltimore until the pope names his successor here, possibly as early as March. "We don't get updates on the search for a successor," said Sean Caine, spokesman for the archdiocese. "That is ultimately the pope's decision. But there is much speculation that it will be sometime in March." Although O'Brien's future seemed to include the traditional cardinal's red, the timing of the announcement was a surprise, he said. He was en route to the airport Tuesday when he received a call from "the pope's number two man," he said. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, gave him the news. "I knew it would be sooner or later, but when it actually happened, it was very moving," O'Brien said. "You don't realize the layers of emotion building up under the surface." The title gives O'Brien membership in the college of cardinals, who advise the pope. He also will be eligible to vote in a papal election until his 80th birthday, according to a statement from the Archdiocese. A consistory, a formal meeting of the pope and cardinals, is set for Feb. 18 at the Vatican to formally elevate O'Brien and the other 21 newly designated cardinals, including one other American — New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who is also president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. O'Brien predicted the number of American cardinals will grow from the nation's great pool of young bishops. But "while anything is possible in God's grace," given the highly charged political atmosphere in the U.S., he doubts an American will be elected pope any time soon. Many greeted the news with enthusiasm. "We are so happy that the Holy Father has bestowed such an honor on Archbishop Dolan and Archbishop O'Brien," Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Relief Services, headquartered in Baltimore, said in a release Friday. "By their word and example, they have been outspoken advocates for our faith and for the mission of the Church to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments and foster charity by standing for justice and serving the most vulnerable around the world." Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, has worked closely with O'Brien on a range of issues and said she has found him to an accessible and warm-hearted leader. "He has been an outspoken, prominent and passionate voice on immigration, repealing the death penalty, upholding the sanctity of marriage and is a strong pro-life advocate," she said. "He is truly an advocate for the dignity of the human person from conception to death." His thoughts will long remain with Baltimore, O'Brien said of the city that has been his spiritual responsibility for four years. His tenure here will end and his duties will change, but he will maintain the title of archbishop emeritus of Baltimore, a deeply meaningful designation for him, he said. "Baltimore is still my main preoccupation and will remain so until my successor is named, sometime before Easter," he said. The appointment pays homage to the archdiocese and its half-million Catholics. "It is an honor to have this happen now, while he is still serving in Baltimore," Caine said. O'Brien is the fourth Baltimore bishop, including his immediate predecessor William Keeler, to be named a cardinal since the archdiocese was founded in 1789. James Gibbons was elevated in 1886 and his hat still hangs from the ceiling of the Baltimore Basilica. Lawrence Shehan became a cardinal in 1965 and Keeler in 1994. "Cardinals often come from dioceses that have particular importance in the world church," said Mary Gautier, senior research associate at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. "Baltimore as the first diocese in the U.S. certainly has that." O'Brien, a New York native, was ordained in 1965 and frequently served as a military chaplain, including a stint in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne and as archbishop for military services for the 10 years before his arrival in Baltimore. For 18 of his 45 years in the priesthood, he was involved with those serving their country, a duty he welcomed. "We can all learn from the self-sacrifice of our military leaders and the kids in service," he said. From the start of tenure here, the city with all its diverse faiths embraced him, he said. "The city is not as solidly Catholic as it used to be, but there is still great enthusiasm and great respect for the church," he said. His plan for consolidating Catholic schools strengthened the system overall, he said, but forced the closing of 13 schools, including Cardinal Gibbons High. "That was difficult for me," he said. "In hindsight, I know some are still unforgiving." O'Brien will be the first in the line of 15 Baltimore bishops that dates to 1789 who will not complete his career in the archdiocese. He will return to Baltimore by the end of the month and expects to remain in the city through the transition in leadership. Then, he plans to be a frequent visitor but will be based in Rome. His ultimate departure from the bishopric will be bittersweet, he said. "Baltimore has made an indelible impression," he said. "It has been a great experience to lead a diocese as historic as this." Contact: mary.gail.hare@baltsun.com
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