Elevated cardinals receive gold ring
from Pope Benedict during Mass of Rings
at the Vatican

Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

By Luke Thomas

March 26, 2006

Rome - Following their elevation to rank of Cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI gave each of his 15 new cardinals a gold ring during a special Mass on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica, attended by thousands of adoring devotees yesterday.

Embossed with a crucifix and engraved with Benedict's papal seal, the pope said the rings are a symbol of the cardinal's commitment of fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church, much like the rings exchanged between spouses.

"May your acceptance of the ring be for you a renewal of your 'Yes,' your 'Here I am,' addressed both to the Lord Jesus who chose you and constituted you, and to his holy church which you are called to serve with the love of a spouse," the pope said.

Cardinal William H. Levada, former U.S. Archbishop and Archdiocese of San Francisco,
kneels before Pope Benedict XVI to receive his gold ring symbolizing a renewed commitment of fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church

Wearing gold vestments, each cardinal knelt before the German pontiff under clear skies to receive his ring; each kissing the pope's hand after the ring had been placed on the "princes" right hand.

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