ROME  (KDKA) – Former Pittsburgh bishop, Donald Wuerl, was elevated to cardinal Saturday morning at the Vatican in Rome.

Before going to Washington, D.C. to be the archbishop, Wuerl was the bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh for 18 years from 1988 until 2006.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he was extremely popular here, making this a very exciting time for the Pittsburgh Catholic community.

On Oct. 20, Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to elevate Wuerl.

“The excitement is having so many people here — people from home, people here who are here to enjoy this special moment,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

He hosted a reception for his family and friends who traveled to Rome for the elevation ceremony Friday night.

About 400 people showed up, including Bishop David Zubik, Father Larry DiNardo, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney and Wuerl’s brother, Wayne.

“It’s a very proud feeling, a very humbling feeling. And if you look around the room, you’ll see an awful lot of happy people,” Wayne Wuerl said.

“He’s really, truly a man of God and you feel it. You see it in how hard he works. His vocation is just so strong,” Judy Styperk said.

In all, 24 new Roman Catholic cardinals were installed today at the Vatican.