This particular ceremony of consecration had never been performed before within the Archdiocese of Detroit.

El Salvador's first cardinal will have the eyes of his flock at home but also of the Washington area, home to approximately 260,000 Salvadorans.

This is the 70th year the event has been held, modeled on similar blessings back in Portugal.

I’ve only been a priest for 13 years. How could I possibly be at the point that I am just recycling ideas?

The pope's words can be read as an answer to those who hope his pontificate may end soon.

Carrie Gress is the author of "The Marian Option: God's Solution to a Civilization in Crisis."