In the newsletter of Catholic Charities of the Toronto Archdiocese, Executive Director Agnes Thomas pinpoints the divine-human connection at the heart of the consistory where Archbishop Francis Leo was made a cardinal.

I just returned from the Eternal City yesterday after attending the consistory. On my journey back, I realized it would take some time to fully comprehend the magnitude of the experience. Both the event and the city hold immense significance for the Church and its people—not just today but for generations to come. It was an incredible privilege to witness the ceremony and attend the Mass the following day with our own Cardinal Leo, his father, family, friends, and colleagues from the Archdiocese. The consistory, a formal gathering where new cardinals are given their rings and birettas, symbolizing their service to the Church and the Pope, unfolded amidst the splendor of Vatican City. In two words, the experience of Rome can be described as a fusion of the divine and the human. The event reflects centuries of tradition and deep spiritual significance, with its roots tracing back to the early Church.

Being part of it offered a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Catholic faith and a profound sense of its universality and continuity. It was also a vivid display of the divine and the human working together for the greater good of humanity—upholding faith and traditions, responding to God’s call, and living out the unique charisms of each cardinal’s vocation. This new apostolic responsibility is truly a gift for the universal Church and, in particular, for Canada through the elevation of Cardinal Leo…What struck me most was the palpable sense of unity and spirituality in the air. Pilgrims, clergy, and visitors from across the globe joined together in prayer and reflection. Despite the grandeur, the

atmosphere felt deeply personal— connecting faith, tradition, and the divine in an intimate way. Rome itself amplified the experience. Walking its cobblestone streets, surrounded by history at every turn—from the Colosseum to the Vatican Gardens—felt like stepping into a living museum of faith and culture. In short, it was an unforgettable moment in history, but also one that felt deeply personal. We offer prayers of support and gratitude as we welcome our new cardinals, especially our shepherd, Frank Cardinal Leo.