Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C. made history on Saturday — becoming the first African American cardinal.
His ascendancy in the Catholic Church marks a momentous and symbolic turning point in a year that was filled with historic firsts, including the election of the nation’s first woman of color to the second highest office in the land.
“Among the people that have congratulated me and wished me well, friends and colleagues, I’ve heard this: it’s about time,” Gregory told The Washington Post. “But it is also an important recognition that the African American, the Black Catholic community, is an important component within the larger, universal church.”
The ceremony, known as a consistory, was unorthodox due to the impact of COVID-19. About 100 people witnessed the elevation of Gregory and 12 other bishops and priests to the College of Cardinals at the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.
Social distancing protocols were put in place and masks were worn by cardinals when seated. Some chose to remove their masks when receiving their ring and biretta; however, Gregory wore his for the duration of the ceremony.
“My heart was warmed when [Gregory] wore a mask to receive his ring and the biretta,” said Sr. Ann Howard, director of campus ministry at Trinity Washington University, the nation’s first Catholic liberal arts college for women founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. “I just respect the choice of his so much just because I think it speaks volumes. He acknowledges the pandemic and protected the Pope.”
Those who traveled to Rome were also required to quarantine at the Vatican for 10 days.
