Following the announcement by Pope Francis of Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald MAfr. as one of ten new Cardinals to be nominated at the consistory of 5th October, Cardinal Vincent has written to the Cardinal-designate to congratulate him 'most warmly' on the appointment: 'It is a delight for us all and a privilege to know that we now have a second English Cardinal.'
In the letter, Cardinal Vincent writes:
'I write to congratulate you most warmly on your appointment as Cardinal. It is a delight for us all and a privilege to know that we now have a second English Cardinal.
'I also have to say, regretfully, that I cannot be at the Consistory on 5th October as that weekend there is a meeting of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences of which I am a vice president. Our president, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, will be present while his two vice presidents will remain in Santiago de Compostela for the meeting.
'I am sure that you will have a lot to do to prepare for 5th October. I am equally sure that you will be receiving many expressions of congratulation, support, and prayers.
'In sending this I know that I am expressing the views of the Bishops of England and Wales and of the whole Catholic Community.
'We are proud of you and rejoice in this moment enormously.'
