 Pope Paul VI created him Cardinal Priest of "S. Giovanni Crisostomo a Monte Sacro Alto" in the consistory of 28 April 1969.The Spanish primate was made Apostolic Administrator of Madrid-Alcalá from 30 May 1971, after the death of archbishop Morcillo, until being appointed Archbishop of Madrid on 3 December.He also acted as President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference the same year (also to finish the three-years term of his predecessor Morcillo) before being formally elected in February 1972.