Enrique Pla y Deniel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Enrique Pla y Deniel |
|
|---|---|
| Cardinal, Archbishop of Toledo | |
 |
|
| See | Toledo |
| Enthroned | October 3, 1941 – July 5, 1968 |
| Predecessor | Isidro Goma y Tomas |
| Successor | Vicente Enrique y Tarancón |
| Other posts | Previously Bishop of Salamanca |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 25 July 1900 |
| Consecration | 8 June 1919 by Archbishop Francesco Ragonesi |
| Created Cardinal | 18 February 1946 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 19, 1876 Barcelona, Spain |
| Died | July 5, 1968 (aged 91) Toledo, Spain |
| Motto | Fiat voluntas tua |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Enrique Pla y Deniel |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Toledo |
Enrique Pla y Deniel (born December 19, 1876 – died July 5, 1968) was an important Spanish cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He came from a wealthy family in Barcelona, Spain. He studied to become a priest at a special school called a seminary and later at universities in Rome. Before becoming a bishop, he worked as a journalist and taught at a seminary.
He became the Bishop of Salamanca in 1935. During the Spanish Civil War, he supported Francisco Franco. Because of his important role, he was later made the Archbishop of Toledo in 1941. This made him the most important religious leader in Spain. In 1946, Pope Pius XII made him a cardinal. He served as Archbishop of Toledo until he passed away.
Contents
Early Life and Priesthood
Enrique Pla y Deniel was born in Barcelona, Spain. He began his religious studies at the local seminary. Later, he continued his education in Rome, Italy, at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Angelicum.
He became a priest on July 25, 1900. After finishing his studies in 1903, he worked in Barcelona. There, he helped people in local churches. He also taught at the seminary and was in charge of several newspapers. He also served as a canon at the cathedral.
Becoming a Bishop
On December 4, 1918, Pope Benedict XV chose Enrique Pla y Deniel to be the Bishop of Ávila. He officially became a bishop on June 8, 1919. Archbishop Francesco Ragonesi led the ceremony, with other bishops helping. Later, on January 28, 1935, he became the Bishop of Salamanca.
Role During the Spanish Civil War
On September 30, 1936, Bishop Pla y Deniel wrote a famous letter called "The Two Cities." In this letter, he clearly showed his support for the side led by Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War. He even let Franco use the bishop's palace on October 6.
His letter was one of the first detailed explanations from a bishop about why the war was considered a "just war" by some. He explained that Spain was divided into two groups. One group, which he called the "earthly city," was against God. The other group, the "heavenly city," was made up of God's children. He believed that the fighting was a "crusade" to bring back order and Christian values to Spain. He felt that the Church needed to support order, Christian civilization, and family.
On the same day he released his letter, General Francisco Franco was named the head of Spain. Bishop Pla y Deniel immediately sent a message to congratulate him. He hoped for a "glorious return of Christian Spain."
Archbishop and Cardinal
On October 3, 1941, Pope Pius XII appointed Enrique Pla y Deniel as the Archbishop of Toledo. This made him the most important religious leader in the Church in Spain.
On February 18, 1946, Pope Pius XII made him a cardinal. This is a very high rank in the Catholic Church. As a cardinal, he was one of the special group of cardinals who vote for a new Pope. He took part in the 1958 papal conclave, which chose Pope John XXIII.
From 1962 to 1965, he attended the Second Vatican Council. This was a very important meeting of Catholic leaders from all over the world. He also served on the council's leadership board.
Cardinal Pla y Deniel was known for his traditional views. Even though he supported General Franco, he showed independence at times. For example, he refused to fire a priest who was the editor of a Catholic newspaper. This priest had criticized Spain's rules about what could be published in newspapers. However, Cardinal Pla y Deniel did privately ask the priest to step back from his role for a while.
He also voted in another election for a new Pope, the 1963 papal conclave, which chose Pope Paul VI.
Later Life and Legacy
Cardinal Enrique Pla y Deniel passed away in Toledo at the age of 91. He is buried in the Cathedral of Toledo.
Interesting Facts
- He led the wedding ceremony for Franco's daughter, María.
- Pope Paul VI visited the sick cardinal the day after he was chosen as Pope.
See also
In Spanish: Enrique Plá y Deniel para niños
