The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Dr Seán Brady, is to be made a cardinal.
A native of Laragh in Co Cavan, 68-year-old Dr Brady was ordained in 1964.
On news of his appointment, Archbishop Brady said he was deeply honoured and humbled by the announcement.
He said it was a mark of the affection and esteem of Pope Benedict for the whole Church in Ireland.
Archbishop Brady said he believes his appointment is a further expression of Pope Benedict's confidence in what has been achieved in Northern Ireland.
At a news conference at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Archbishop Brady said he knew that the continued success of the political institutions in Northern Ireland and reconciliation efforts were matters close to the Pope's heart.
He added that it is a daunting privilege to join Cardinal Cahal Daly and Cardinal Desmond Connell in the College of Cardinals.
In 1995 Archbishop Brady was ordained Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh, and on the retirement of Cardinal Cahal Daly succeeded him as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland in 1996.
His promotion today means that the traditional right to vote in a Papal election is restored to the See of Armagh following the appointment of Archbishop Desmond Connell, the then Archbishop of Dublin, as Cardinal six years ago.
Dr Connell and Dr Cahal Daly remain as non-voting cardinals, having passed 80 years of age.
A Consistory, at which the 23 new cardinals will be created, will be held in Rome on 24 November.
