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East Timor Cardinal-Elect ‘Almost Fainted’ When He Heard Pope Francis Had Chosen Him

José Fernando Real via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)Archbishop Virgilio do Carmo da Silva of Dili, who will be made a cardinal Aug. 27, is shown saying Mass on April 9, 2016.

Archbishop Dom Virgilio do Carmo da Silva said he views his elevation as a blessing for the heavily Catholic country, which recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its independence.