Thomas Collins
Stored: Thomas Collins
| His Eminence Thomas Collins | |
| Bishop of College of Cardinals | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Toronto |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of Edmonton |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of Saint Paul in Alberta |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 5 May 1973 by Bishop Paul Reding |
| Consecration: | 14 May 1997 by Bishop Anthony Frederick Tonnos |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 18 February 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Thomas Christopher Collins 16 January 1947 Guelph, Ontario, Canada |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Canada |
| Education: | Pontifical Biblical Institute |
| Motto: | "Deum Adora" |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | North America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Thomas Christopher Collins, born January 16, 1947, is a Canadian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto (2007–2023) and elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. Ordained a priest in 1973 for the Diocese of Hamilton and consecrated a bishop in 1997, he served as Bishop of Saint Paul in Alberta (1997–1999) and Archbishop of Edmonton (1999–2007). His moderate theology, reflected in his motto "Deum Adora" ("Worship God"), emphasizes evangelization, catechesis, and social engagement, balancing traditional doctrine with pastoral outreach.[1] Collins participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and, at age 78, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as one of two Canadian electors among 135 cardinals, with the conclave set to begin May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel.[2][3][4][5]
Collins’ leadership in Toronto focused on youth ministry and defending Catholic education, notably criticizing Canada’s residential school narrative in 2021, which drew backlash for perceived insensitivity.[6] His academic background from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and emphasis on scripture inform his pastoral approach. Despite his experience, Collins’ age, regional focus, and lack of curial prominence limit his papal candidacy, with frontrunners like Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle favored.[7] As an emeritus cardinal, Collins’ role in the 2025 conclave centers on his vote, contributing to the Church’s future direction amid a diverse and unpredictable electorate.[2][8]
Biography
Birth and early life
Thomas Christopher Collins was born on January 16, 1947, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, to a Catholic family in a predominantly Protestant region. Raised during Canada’s post-war growth, his vocation was inspired by the Church’s role in community life, leading him to enter the St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario, at age 18. His family’s faith and Canada’s multicultural context shaped his commitment to evangelization.
The Second Vatican Council’s (1962–1965) call for renewal influenced Collins’ moderate outlook. Fluent in English, Latin, and Italian, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his biblical scholarship.[9][1]
Education
Collins studied philosophy and theology at St. Peter’s Seminary, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (1976–1978), obtaining a licentiate in sacred scripture, and later earned a doctorate in theology from the Gregorian University, specializing in biblical exegesis.
His education emphasized scripture and Vatican II’s pastoral call, equipping him to lead in Canada’s diverse Church. Collins’ academic rigor prepared him for episcopal roles.[1][10]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on May 5, 1973, by Bishop Paul Reding for the Diocese of Hamilton, Collins served as a parish priest and professor of scripture at St. Peter’s Seminary (1973–1997). He was a key figure in catechetical programs during Canada’s secularization.
His priesthood focused on evangelization and education, navigating cultural shifts. Collins’ biblical expertise earned him episcopal appointment.[9][1]
Bishop
Consecrated coadjutor bishop of Saint Paul in Alberta on May 14, 1997, by Bishop Anthony Frederick Tonnos, Collins served as Bishop of Saint Paul (1997–1999), Archbishop of Edmonton (1999–2007), and Archbishop of Toronto (2007–2023). Elevated to cardinal in 2012 with the title Cardinal-Priest of San Patrizio, he participated in the 2013 conclave.
Collins’ tenure emphasized youth ministry and Catholic education, but his 2021 residential school comments drew criticism for downplaying Church accountability.[6] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 78, he is one of two Canadian electors (with Frank Leo), but his candidacy is limited by age and regional focus.[2][3][5][11]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Saint Paul in Alberta | Bishop | 14 May 1997 | 18 June 1999 | Focused on evangelization |
| Archdiocese of Edmonton | Archbishop | 18 June 1999 | 16 December 2006 | Strengthened catechesis |
| Archdiocese of Toronto | Archbishop | 16 December 2006 | 11 February 2023 | Promoted youth ministry |
Significant events
- Entered St. Peter’s Seminary in 1965.
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Hamilton in 1973.
- Consecrated coadjutor bishop of Saint Paul in Alberta in 1997.
- Appointed Bishop of Saint Paul in Alberta in 1997.
- Appointed Archbishop of Edmonton in 1999.
- Appointed Archbishop of Toronto in 2006.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
- Participated in the 2013 conclave.
- Criticized residential school narrative in 2021.
- Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Collins.
Written by the bishop
- Cornerstone: Reflections on the Gospel Readings by Thomas Collins, ISBN 978-2896466696
External links
- Thomas Cardinal Collins at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Thomas Collins at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Collins’ appointment
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biography of Cardinal Thomas Collins". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_collins.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Guelph's Cardinal Collins part of papal conclave choosing next Pope". Guelph News. 2025-04-24. https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelphs-cardinal-collins-part-of-papal-conclave-choosing-next-pope-8709218.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Conclave: The 2 Toronto cardinals who could elect a new pope". Sudbury News. 2025-04-23. https://www.sudbury.com/around-ontario/conclave-the-2-toronto-cardinals-who-could-elect-a-new-pope-8701398.
- ↑ "Conclave to elect new pope to start on 7 May, Vatican says". The Guardian. 2025-04-28. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/28/conclave-elect-new-pope-7-may-vatican.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Toronto cardinals eligible for conclave". sudburydotcom. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/6rn6R78FTj.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Cardinal Collins on residential schools". CBCPolitics. 2021-06-06. https://t.co/zzmnb9Zm9J.
- ↑ "Lobbying for next pope heats up, with outcome less predictable than ever". The Guardian. 2025-04-27. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/lobbying-next-pope-heats-up-outcome-less-predictable.
- ↑ "Toronto cardinals eligible for conclave". BradfordTodayCa. 2025-04-27. https://t.co/0Wvcuhd1VM.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Thomas Cardinal Collins". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcollins.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Thomas Collins". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55630/cardinal-thomas-collins.
- ↑ "Cardinal Collins appointed Archbishop of Toronto". Vatican News. 2006-12-16. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2006-12/collins-toronto.html.