18 February 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today after the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, formally elevated Cardinal-designate Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, to the College of Cardinals at a ceremony in Rome, Italy. Cardinal Collins was accompanied by a delegation of Canadians, including the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence.
“On behalf of Canadians, I would like to congratulate His Eminence, Thomas Collins on his formal elevation today to the College of Cardinals by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. While retaining his commitment to the 1.7 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto and numerous Canadian charities, organizations, and educational institutions, Cardinal Collins is now adding to his already-substantial international responsibilities.
“The cardinals are usually the principal advisors to and ministers of the pope, either assisting in the administration of the affairs of the Holy See or serving as Archbishops of major cities throughout the world. That a native son of Guelph, Ontario, has been made a cardinal is a source of pride for all Canadians.
“With this appointment, Cardinal Collins becomes the fourth cardinal in the history of the Church in Toronto and the 16th cardinal in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada.
“On the occasion of this great honour for Catholics throughout Canada, I wish our country’s newest cardinal all the best in his continued ministry.”
