Cardinal Wuerl Receives Traditional Ring From Pope

VATICAN CITY (KDKA) - The newly-installed Cardinal Donald Wuerl received his traditional gold ring today following Saturday's ceremony to elevate him to his new rank.

Pope Benedict XVI presented the rings to the 24 newly-appointed cardinals this morning as they concelebrated Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.

During the Mass, the Pope said in Latin, "Receive the ring from the hand of Peter, and know that with the love of the Prince of the Apostles, your love for the church is strengthened," while placing the ring on Cardinal Wuerl's right hand.

Officials say that the ring "symbolizes the Cardinal's bond to the Holy Father and Universal Church."

For Cardinal Wuerl, the new ring will replace one that he was given by Cardinal John Wright, according to officials with the Archdiocese of Washington. He has worn that ring for the past 25 years.

Cardinal Wuerl worked for Cardinal Wright as a young priest.

Before becoming the Archbishop of Washington D.C., Cardinal Wuerl served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh from 1988 until 2006.

Cardinal Wuerl will return to Washington D.C. on Tuesday and celebrate his first Mass there as a cardinal on Sunday at noon.