Pope asked to give former Anglican bishop a red hat

BY CHRISTINA FARRELL
L1Ainm. Catholic', are supporting the promotion of Mgr Graham Leonard, the married former Anglican Bishop of London, to the position of cardinal.
Mgr Leonard, one of the leading protestors against the ordination of women priests in the Church of England, is reported to have the backing of three ex-Cabinet ministers and a cross-bench peer. Supporters of his cause say it would be the most significant promotion for an Anglican convert since John Henry Newman was made a cardinal in the 19th century.
Mgr Leonard, 84, became a Catholic priest in 1995 after 30 years in the Anglican Church. His high-profile reception in 1992 signalled the departure of many other priests from the Church of England over the Synod's decision to allow women priests, including Fr Alan Hopes, who was appointed auxiliary bishop to Westminster in January 2003.
In 2000 John Paul It gave Fr Leonard the honorific title of Right Reverend Monsignor in recognition of his status. The late Pope took a keen interest in his conversion, inviting him to Rome following his ordination.
Because of his age Mgr Leonard would not be eligible to vote in papal elections.
John Gummer MP, a former Cabinet minister and a columnist for The Catholic Herald, is supporting the move, which also has the backing of Paul Murphy, who stood down as Northern Ireland Secretary in 2005. Mr Murphy is understood to have written to the new British Ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Campbell, urging him to canvass support at the Vati can. Former Tory Minister Ann Widdecombe, who is also a convert, has already written to Rome in support of Mgr Leonard. She told the 'limes newspaper this week that he deserved the recognition.
"Graham Leonard as a bishop was the most senior priest in the 1992 exodus to Rome," she said. "He has worked tirelessly to promote understanding of the Catholic Church."
Some consider that Mgr Leonard's marital status might present an obstacle, but Lord Alton of Liverpool, who is also backing the cause, said: "The issue of his marriage should not be a difficulty."
The decision to make Mgr Leonard a cardinal rests solely with Pope Benedict, who is expected to call a consistory this year, when he will name new members of the College of Cardinals.