The Chicago Cheer and the Denver Smile

Denver's NFL Super Bowl champion Broncos never expected to lose to the Cardinals. But they have, as Denver's news organizations—like Chicago's— have lavished attention on America's two new cardinals, bumping sports out of the headlines.

Denver's Cardinal J. Francis Stafford and Chicago's Cardinal Francis George OMI, were elevated to the status of cardinal Feb. 21 in a Vatican ceremony.

Here are some samples of quotations from the Denver Post of Feb. 23 and the Chicago Sun-Times of Feb. 22 about the ceremony:

“We did our best to be heard.”

—Mary Palmert explaining Chicagoans' reaction to being the second loudest cheerers (after Mexico) for their cardinal in St. Peter's Square.

“He had the same smile he had in Denver. I'm sure the smile was with memory of the people of Colorado in 1993.”

—Cardinal Stafford crediting World Youth Day for the look on the Holy Father's face when presenting the cardinal's ring.

“I was so thrilled, my chest hurt.”

—Cardinal George's first-grade teacher Sister Rita, 80, who was on hand for his first Communion, ordination, consecration as bishop, and elevation to cardinal.

“He will grow in this job. I think he'll be known around the world.… More and more people will see him and recognize his sterling character.”

—Cardinal John O'Connor of New York speaking of his friend, Cardinal Stafford.

“They were like two kids going to Disneyland.”

—Donna Marie Pender, the 14th of Jim and Dolores Pender's 15 children, describing her parents' reaction to watching Cardinal George's elevation in Rome.