Pope taps Chicago, Indianapolis in 1st US cardinal picks

FILE – In this Thursday, April 23, 2015 file photo, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich processes from Holy Name Cathedral following the funeral Mass of Cardinal Francis George in Chicago. Monsignor Cupich was among the 17 new cardinals named by Pope Francis, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool, File)

CHICAGO (AP) — Pope Francis looked to the American Midwest when picking his first U.S. cardinals.

The Vatican announced Sunday that Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich and Archbishop Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis, Indiana, will become cardinals in a Rome ceremony Nov. 19.

Francis also picked Bishop Kevin Farrell for the honor. Farrell has led the Diocese of Dallas, but is leaving for a prominent Vatican post.

The three men are moderates who follow Francis’ emphasis on mercy over rules.

Tobin drew national attention this year for rejecting a request from Indiana Gov. Mike Pence for the church to stop settling Syrian refugees in the state. Pence is the Republican nominee for vice president and running mate of Donald Trump, who has proposed deporting illegal immigrants and banning entry of Muslims from other countries.