Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, a native of Richland Center, is reportedly a contender to succeed Pope Francis. The 88 year-old Francis passed away early Monday. Cardinal Burke was born in Richland Center, WI and according to his official Vatican biography after being ordained in 1975, Burke returned to La Crosse serving as an associate rector at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, he also taught religion at Aquinas High School. Burke later went on to serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse from 1995-2003.In 2010 he was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI (16). Cardinal Burke is seen by many as the de-facto leader of the church’s conservative wing.
