'He never forgot where he came from': Before Wilton Gregory was named the first Black cardinal in the US, he got his start in the Chicago suburbs

CHICAGO — Wilton Gregory wasn't raised Catholic and didn't come to the faith until he was in sixth grade attending a Catholic grammar school. Now, he'll serve as one of the top leaders of the global Catholic church community after being named a cardinal by Pope Francis.

The Chicago native was one of 13 church leaders around the world to be named to the role by Pope Francis Oct. 25. With this appointment, Gregory also becomes the first Black American cardinal.

Gregory, 72, began his religious career in the Chicago suburbs. He attended and later returned to teach at a seminary in Mundelein, served as a deacon in a Park Ridge parish and had his first official assignment as a priest at Our