Hollerich was ordained as priest in 1990 and has been archbishop of Luxembourg since 2011, the Vatican said on 1 September.

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa said in a congratulatory message on Monday: “It is an honour to your spiritual and moral qualities, a tribute to your actions and a unique recognition for the Catholic Church of Luxembourg.”

According to the Reuters news agency, Hollerich “has taken strong stands against Europe’s populist leaders, saying this year that they were playing an ‘ignoble game’ by fomenting fear of migrants and Muslims.”

Cardinals vote in papal elections and other high matters of the Catholic church.