Rio, 9/29/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The archbisop of Rio de Janeiro, Dom Eusébio Oscar Scheid, has been named a cardinal by pope John Paul II.

In an interview on Rio TV Educativa, Dom Eusébio declared that the honor was not due to his person, but to the importance of Rio de Janeiro. He pointed out that it is traditional for city archbishops to be elevated. And he said that his responsibilities and travels will increase with the new office, beginning on October 21 when he will go to Rome to get his red cardinal hat.

Dom Eusébio Oscar Scheid was born in Santa Catarina 69 years ago. Before moving to Rio in 2001, he was the archbishop of Florianopolis. (AB)