Cardinal László Paskai died at the age of 88

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal László Paskai, O.F.M., Archbishop emeritus of Esztergom-Budapest, died on Monday at the age of 88 after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on 8 May 1927 in Szeged, in the south-eastern zone of Hungary. He entered the Order of Friars Minor and studied theology in Gyoongyos and at the seminary of Budapest. He was ordained a priest on 3 March 1951, and began his pastoral ministry in the diocese of Nagyvárad.

On 2 March 1978, Paul VI appointed him titular Bishop of Bavagaliana and apostolic administrator of Veszprém. He received episcopal ordination on 5 April 1978.

Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Veszprém on 31 March 1979, and then eight years appointed him Primate of Hungary and Archbishop of Esztergom. He was created Cardinal the following year.

He retired in 2002, but participated in the 2005 conclave which elected Pope Benedict XVI.