In 2003 the Vatican published the wish of the pope to create Joos cardinal in the next Consistory. In Belgium everyone was surprised, in the Belgian media he was only known as a parish priest. Belgian media mistook him for another priest just after he was elevated to cardinal. It was the first time in the history of the diocese that a canon was elevated to cardinal. His elevation as cardinal was seen by many as gratitude from Pope John Paul II towards his long-time friend.