separateurCreated with Sketch.

Cardinal who administered Church after JPII’s death has died at 94

CARDINAL
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 08/10/21
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo died in the Vatican on Tuesday, after many years in service of the Holy See.

Spanish Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo died in the Vatican on the morning of August 10 at age 94.

The cardinal had a long life in service of the Holy See, and notably was the Cardinal Chamberlain (or Camerlengo), at the time of the death of John Paul II. The Camerlengo is the cardinal who administers the Church in the time between the death of a pontiff and the election of another.

At the time of his resignation from that position due to having turned 80 years old, then-Pope Benedict XVI spoke of his "diligence," "competence," and "love" in the service of the Holy See.

He also noted the attitudes of solemn sobriety and dignity shown by the Chamberlain at the time when, following the death of Pope St. John Paul II, he became the highest authority pro tempore of the Church.

According to a report from Vatican News, many also appreciated the cardinal's sense of humor, and his closeness to the people, in particular to those who suffer.

Newsletter
Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Tags:
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.