“What an honour this is for the people of Quebec and those of the entire country, as we celebrate the 350th anniversary of the erection of the first parish in North America outside Spanish-speaking territories,” said Durocher.

“Cardinal-designate Lacroix has already provided extraordinary leadership in the Church in Quebec for his joyful proclamation of the Good News. As primate, he is recognized throughout the country as an extraordinary leader who is an enthusiastic preacher, with an unmistakable missionary zeal that is accented by his complete dedication to the new evangelization.”

Montreal Archbishop Christian Lépine greeted the news with joy, and sees the naming of Lacroix a sign of hope for the Catholic Church in Quebec and in Canada.

“He’s a man of faith and a man of joy. I think he has a gift to bring the joy of the Gospel,” Lepine said.

“I join Catholics from across the country in offering our prayers and best wishes to Cardinal-designate Lacroix on his appointment to the College of Cardinals,” said Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins. “As the archbishop of Quebec City, the original diocese in our country, and as the primate of Canada, he has been a joyful, thoughtful and passionate ambassador of faith for the people in the archdiocese of Quebec and all of Canada.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his congratulations in a Jan. 12 statement.

“The appointment of Gérald Cyprien Lacroix to the College of Cardinals is a tremendous honour for His Grace, for the archdiocese of Quebec and all members of the Catholic Church across Canada.”