Camillo Ruini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Camillo Ruini |
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| Cardinal Vicar Emeritus of Rome | |
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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–present) |
| Orders | |
| 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, Kingdom of Italy |
| Denomination | Catholic (Roman Rite) |
| 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 on February 19, 1931, is an important Italian leader in the Catholic Church. He became a cardinal in 1991. He was the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference from 1991 to 2007. He also served as the main representative for the Diocese of Rome from 1991 to 2008.
Cardinal Ruini was well-known for speaking on behalf of the Church. He often appeared on Italian television, in newspapers, and in magazines.
Life and Church Work
Camillo Ruini was born in Sassuolo, Italy. 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 with university students as a chaplain. From 1966 to 1970, he was a delegate for Azione Cattolica, a Catholic organization. From 1968 to 1986, he taught theology in Modena. He was also the headmaster there for some years.
Becoming a Bishop and Cardinal
On May 16, 1983, Pope John Paul II made him an auxiliary bishop. This means he helped the main bishop in Reggio Emilia. He was officially made a bishop on June 29 by Bishop Gilberto Baroni.
In 1985, he helped organize an important meeting for the Church in Loreto. This meeting helped improve the relationship between the Church and Italian society. In June 1986, Pope John Paul II appointed him secretary-general of the Italian Bishops' Conference. This was a very important role.
On January 17, 1991, Ruini became a special assistant bishop for the Diocese of Rome. On March 17, 1991, he became the pro-president of the Italian Bishops' Conference. On June 28, 1991, he was made a Cardinal-Priest. This meant he was given a special church in Rome, Sant'Agnese fuori le mura.
On July 1, 1991, he became the main representative for the Diocese of Rome. He also became the head priest of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. He was also in charge of the Lateran University.
Other Important Roles
From 1992 to 1996, Cardinal Ruini led an organization called Peregrinatio ad Petri Sedem. This group helps people go on pilgrimages to Rome. He was also a member of several important groups within the Vatican. These groups helped with different aspects of the Church's work.
In 2005, Cardinal Ruini was one of the cardinals who voted to choose a new Pope. He participated in the 2005 papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
In 2010, the Vatican asked Cardinal Ruini to lead a special group. This group looked into the events at Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Some people there said they saw visions of Mary. The group finished its work in 2014.
Views on Society
Cardinal Ruini was known for his traditional views on social and political matters. He often shared opinions that were similar to those of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. He was very active in public discussions.
For example, he spoke strongly against a public vote in 2005 in Italy. This vote was about changing laws on artificial insemination. He also commented on laws about civil partnerships in France. In 2007, when a law about civil unions was suggested in Italy, the bishops' conference, led by Ruini, did not support it.
Retirement
On March 7, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI chose Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco to take over as president of the Italian Bishops' Conference. Cardinal Ruini retired from his other main roles on June 27, 2008.
As of 2013, Cardinal Ruini has been leading 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 for a short time. He had a procedure to help his heart.
See also
In Spanish: Camillo Ruini para niños
