Caracas, Venezuela, Feb 22, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Archbishop Jorge Urosa Savino of Caracas said he considers his appointment to the College of Cardinals an opportunity to deepen his commitment to God and a sign of the importance of the Church in Venezuela in the eyes of Pope Benedict XVI.
Speaking to local reporters, the future cardinal said he felt “overwhelmed” at the news of his appointment. He added that although the Apostolic Nuncio in Venezuela had informed him of his appointment on Monday, he did not expect the announcement to come so soon.
“It’s a greater responsibility, it’s a more profound commitment to God and to the people of Caracas, which is my archdiocese, to which I owe much, and of course to Venezuela. These are my feelings of joy, gratitude, and at the same time knowing that this means a greater commitment,” Archbishop Urosa stated.
Venezuela’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Ivan Rincon, said his government was “pleased” with the appointment of Archbishop Urosa. “Our country was in need of a cardinal with spiritual qualities like his. He has shown himself to be a pastor of all Venezuelans, regardless of one’s political ideology,” Rincon said.