On March 14, 1990, after the fall of the Communist regime, he was appointed Archbishop of Făgăraș and Alba Iulia, and was created a Cardinal the following year.
Pada 14 Maret 1990, sesudah jatuhnya rezim komunis, ia ditunjuk menjadi Uskup Agung Făgăraș dan Alba Iulia, dan dilantik menjadi Kardinal pada tahun berikutnya.