Ernest Simoni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Ernest Simoni |
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| Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria della Scala | |
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| Church | Catholic Church (Latin Church) |
| Appointed | 19 November 2016 |
| Enthroned | 11 February 2017 |
| Predecessor | Stanisław Nagy |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 7 April 1956 |
| Created Cardinal | 19 November 2016 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Ernest Simoni |
| Born | 18 October 1928 Troshani, Albanian Kingdom |
| Nationality | Albanian |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Motto | Albanian: Zemra jeme dotë triumfojë (My Immaculate Heart will Triumph) |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Ernest Simoni |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Ernest Simoni Troshani (born 18 October 1928) is an Albanian cardinal in the Catholic Church. A cardinal is a very important leader in the Catholic Church, chosen by the Pope.
He became a cardinal on 19 November 2016. This happened during a special meeting called a consistory, led by Pope Francis.
Life Story
Ernest Simoni was born in 1928 in a place called Troshani in Albania.
Facing Hard Times
On 24 December 1963, Ernest Simoni was put in prison by the government in Albania. At that time, Albania was under a Communist government that did not allow people to practice their religion freely. He was arrested after holding a special church service.
He suffered a lot during his time in prison. He was even sentenced to death, but this was changed to a long prison term. He spent 28 years doing hard work, first in a mine and then in a sewage canal. He stayed strong in his faith despite these challenges.
Meeting the Pope
On 21 September 2014, Ernest Simoni met Pope Francis when the Pope visited Albania. Simoni shared his amazing story of how he survived under the Communist government.
Two years later, on 9 October 2016, Pope Francis announced that he would make Simoni a cardinal. Usually, cardinals must also be bishops, but Pope Francis made a special exception for Simoni because of his unique life story and strong faith.
At the consistory on 19 November 2016, he was given the title of Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria della Scala.
Special Recognition
In 2017, Ernest Simoni received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. This award honors people who have achieved great things. The ceremony took place in London.
See also
In Spanish: Ernest Simoni para niños
