Pope John Paul elevated him to the cardinalate in the consistory of 26 November 1994, making him Cardinal Priest of S. Roberto Bellarmino. After he retired as Archbishop he continued until his death ministering at a homeless shelter he founded in Lima.
Pope John Paul promoted him to cardinal in the consistory of 26 November 1994, elevating him to Cardinal Priest of S. Roberto Bellarmino. Following his retirement as Archbishop, he continued serving until his death at a homeless shelter he had established in Lima.