Pope mourns death of José IV, Patriarch Emeritus of Lisbon
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolence on the death of Cardinal
José da Cruz Policarpo, Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon, Portugal.
In the telegram,
the Holy Father expressed his “union in prayer” with all those who are mourning the
unexpected death of the Cardinal. Pope Francis recalled the work of Patriarch José
in the various offices of the Holy See, and his own meetings with the Patriarch, whom
he described as a Pastor who was passionate in his search for the truth.
“He
was solicitous in putting the gifts received from the Lord at the service of the people
of God and of his brother bishops,” the Pope said. He thanked God for the generosity
and zeal with which the Patriarch exercised his ministry throughout his life, noting
especially his service at the Portuguese Catholic University.
Pope Francis
concluded his telegram with the Apostolic Blessing for all those mourning the death
of the Patriarch.
Biography of José IV, Patriarch of Lisbon:
Cardinal
José da Cruz Policarpo, Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon, Portugal, was born on 26 February
1936 in Alvorninha, Portugal. He was ordained on 15 August 1961 for the Patriarchate
of Lisbon and holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University,
Rome.
He was director of the seminary in Penafirme, rector of the seminary
in Olivais and dean of the Theological Faculty of the Portuguese Catholic University.
He later served two terms as rector of the same university (1988-96). He is the author
of a number of books and scholarly articles.
On 26 May 1978 he was appointed
titular Bishop of Caliabria and Auxiliary of Lisbon, receiving episcopal ordination
on 29 June.
On 5 March 1997 he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lisbon
and succeeded Cardinal António Ribeiro as Patriarch on 24 March 1998.
He was
also Grand Chancellor of the Portuguese Catholic University.
He was elected
President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference in April 1999 and served until June
2005. On 3 May 2011 he was re-elected President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference.
Patriarch
emeritus of Lisbon, 18 May 2013.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by the Bl.
John Paul II in the consistory of 21 February 2001, of the Title of S. Antonio in
Campo Marzio (St. Anthony in Campo Marzio).