Former Head Of The Dallas Catholic Diocese Named Cardinal

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CHICAGO (AP) – Bishop Kevin Farrell, former head of the Dallas Catholic diocese, had left the city on Thursday to take up residence and a prominent Vatican post in Rome.

Dallas diocese spokeswoman Annette Gonzales Taylor said Farrell had no inkling that he'd be promoted to cardinal. He was shocked when he learned of his selection with the rest of the world while watching Pope Francis' Angelus webcast early Sunday.

In a statement issued by the Dallas diocese, Farrell said, "I am humbled by the news this morning that our Holy Father Pope Francis has named me to the College of Cardinals. I ask all in the Diocese of Dallas to please pray for me that I may to the best of my ability fulfill this sacred duty to our Church."