Wilton Gregory will make history by being the first African-American to be picked as cardinal. He is handing out interviews like a Hollywood star and the Catholic world can’t get enough, reported AFP.

The 72-year old Washington archbishop is currently in quarantine and will be part of the ceremony in the Vatican on Saturday. He is excited as he chats via Zoom about Pope Francis’s “important choice”.

“I’m only one person, but at this point I’m a symbolic individual,” the Chicago native told AFP with a broad smile.

Gregory’s elevation is “a sign of the importance of and respect for the African-American community. He is the first black archbishop of the US capital.

The archbishop is vocal about his stance on racism and slammed President Donald Trump’s stunt with a bible last June after an anti-racism protest.

Gregory and 12 other new “Princes of the Church,” dressed in red cassocks, will kneel before the pope to receive their quadrangular scarlet cap, or biretta on Saturday.

In almost eight years of pontificate, Pope Francis has selected the majority of cardinals who will chose his successor — prelates who are very often in tune with his ideas.

“The Holy Father has made a point of trying to bring different races, languages, cultures together within the college of cardinals,” Gregory said.

“He named cardinals from countries that never had cardinals before. He’s made it clear that he wants the college of cardinals to reflect the great diversity of the Church,” he added.

The ceremony, known as a consistory, will be held in the sumptuous setting of Saint Peter’s Basilica — but this edition will be low key, due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Vatican is taking no risks with the health of the 83-year old pope and his cardinal-elects.