FILE - In this Saturday, June 29, 2013 file photo, Monsignor Joseph William Tobin, Archbishop of Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, is greeted by Pope Francis after receiving the Pallium, a woolen shawl symbolizing his bond to the pope, during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican. Monsignor Tobin was among the 17 new cardinals named by Pope Francis, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)
October 09, 2016 - 7:12 AM
CHICAGO - Pope Francis looked to the American Midwest when picking his first U.S. cardinals.
The Vatican announced Sunday that Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich and Archbishop Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis, Indiana, will become cardinals in a Rome ceremony Nov. 19.
Francis also picked Bishop Kevin Farrell for the honour. Farrell has led the Diocese of Dallas, but is leaving for a prominent Vatican post.
The three men are moderates who follow Francis' emphasis on mercy over rules.
Tobin drew national attention this year for rejecting a request from Indiana Gov. Mike Pence for the church to stop settling Syrian refugees in the state. Pence is the Republican nominee for vice-president and running mate of Donald Trump, who has proposed deporting illegal immigrants and banning entry of Muslims from other countries.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016