Camillo Ruini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camillo Ruini |
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| Cardinal Vicar Emeritus of Rome | |
Cardinal Ruini in 2006
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Predecessor | Ugo Poletti |
| Successor | Agostino Vallini |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura (1991–2026) |
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| Ordination | 8 December 1954 |
| Consecration | 29 June 1983 by Gilberto Baroni |
| Created Cardinal | 28 June 1991 |
| Rank | Cardinal priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 February 1931 Sassuolo, Italy |
| Died | 16 June 2026 (aged 95) Rome, Italy |
| Previous post |
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| Motto | Veritas liberabit nos (the truth will free us) |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Camillo Ruini |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Camillo Ruini (born February 19, 1931 – died June 16, 2026) was an important Italian leader in the Catholic Church. He became a cardinal in 1991. He served as the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference from 1991 to 2007. He was also the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome from 1991 to 2008. Cardinal Ruini was well-known for speaking about the Church's views. He often appeared in Italian newspapers, magazines, and on television.
Contents
Who Was Cardinal Camillo Ruini?
Early Life and Education
Camillo Ruini was born in Sassuolo, Emilia Romagna, Italy, on February 19, 1931. He studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. There, he earned degrees in philosophy and sacred theology. On December 8, 1954, he became a priest. Archbishop Luigi Traglia ordained him.
From 1957 to 1968, he taught philosophy at a church school in Emilia Romagna. He also worked as a chaplain for university students. Later, he taught theology at another school in Modena from 1968 to 1986. He was also the headmaster there for some years.
A Life of Service in the Church
Important Roles and Responsibilities
On May 16, 1983, Pope John Paul II chose him to be an auxiliary bishop for Reggio Emilia. He also became a titular bishop of Nefta. Bishop Gilberto Baroni made him a bishop on June 29. He helped organize a big meeting called the Ecclesial Convention of Loreto in 1985. This meeting helped the Church and Italian society understand each other better.
In June 1986, Pope John Paul II made him the secretary-general of the Italian Episcopal Conference. This is a group of bishops in Italy. He also advised the Congregation for Bishops for many years.
Guiding the Italian Church
On January 17, 1991, Ruini became an auxiliary bishop and pro-vicar general for the Diocese of Rome. A pro-vicar general helps lead the diocese. On March 7, 1991, Pope John Paul II appointed him president of the Italian Episcopal Conference. He held this important role until 2007.
On June 28, 1991, he became a Cardinal-Priest of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura. A few days later, on July 1, 1991, he was named Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome. He also became the main priest, or archpriest, of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. He was also a leader at the Lateran University and the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.
Cardinal Ruini also led the "Peregrinatio ad Petri Sedem" from 1992 to 1996. This group helps people make pilgrimages, or religious journeys, to Rome. He was part of several other important Church groups. These included the Congregation for Bishops and the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
In 2005, Cardinal Ruini was one of the cardinals who voted to choose a new Pope. This was the papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Later, in 2010, the Vatican asked him to lead a special group. This group looked into reports of visions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The group finished its work in 2014.
Speaking Out on Important Issues
Cardinal Ruini was known for his strong views on social matters. He often spoke about the Church's teachings on family and life. He shared the Church's perspective on important societal discussions in Italy. For example, he spoke about the Church's views on family values and the protection of life. He also commented on proposals related to marriage and family structures. He believed it was important for the Church to share its guidance on these topics.
Retirement and Later Years
On March 7, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI chose Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco to take over as president of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Cardinal Ruini retired from his other main roles on June 27, 2008. Cardinal Agostino Vallini became the new Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome.
After retiring, Cardinal Ruini continued to be involved in Church work. As of 2013, he was the president of the Scientific Committee of the Ratzinger Foundation. This foundation supports studies related to the work of Pope Benedict XVI.
In July 2024, Cardinal Ruini was in the hospital. He had a medical procedure to help his heart. In May 2026, it was reported that he was in critical condition at home.
Cardinal Camillo Ruini passed away in Rome on June 16, 2026. He was 95 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Camillo Ruini para niños
