Cardinal Thomas Collins

Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Cardinal Thomas Collins was ordained a priest in 1973. Collins considered other paths, but was inspired by a high school English teacher who suggested he should consider the priesthood. He obtained undergraduate and master’s degrees in English, but later pursued theological training in Rome, where he specialized in the book of Revelation, while earning his licentiate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Bible Institute. Collins earned a doctorate in theology from Gregorian University and was named bishop of St. Paul, Alberta, in 1997 and archbishop of Edmonton in 1999. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Collins the tenth archbishop of Toronto in December 2006. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2012.