Herbert Leuninger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herbert Leuninger
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Herbert Leuninger
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| Born | 8 September 1932 |
| Died | 28 July 2020 (aged 87) Limburg an der Lahn, Hesse, Germany
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Herbert Leuninger (born September 8, 1932 – died July 28, 2020) was a German Catholic priest. He was also a theologian, which means he studied religion and God. Herbert Leuninger was a strong supporter of human rights, especially for people seeking asylum (safety) in Germany. He helped start an organization called Pro Asyl that supports refugees. He was known as a "loudspeaker" for refugees, meaning he spoke up loudly for their rights.
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A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Herbert Leuninger was born in Cologne, Germany. He was one of three children. He grew up in Mengerskirchen. His brother, Ernst, also became a priest. Herbert's uncle, Franz Leuninger, was a brave person who resisted the Nazi government. He was sadly executed in 1945.
Becoming a Priest and Helping Communities
After finishing school, Herbert studied philosophy and theology. He became a priest on December 8, 1958, in Limburg Cathedral. He first worked in a parish in Frankfurt-Nied. Later, he was a chaplain in Oberlahnstein and Frankfurt. He then became a parish priest in Kriftel.
In 1970, Herbert was appointed a youth pastor for the Main-Taunus district. This meant he worked with young people. From 1972 to 1992, he advised the Bishop of Limburg on migration questions. He also served on the board of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles in London. This group helps refugees across Europe.
Founding Pro Asyl and Supporting Refugees
In 1986, Herbert Leuninger helped create Pro Asyl in Frankfurt. This is a human rights organization that helps refugees seeking safety in Germany. He was the spokesman for Pro Asyl until 1994. After that, he continued to work for the organization, focusing on European issues until 1998.
Besides his church work, Herbert Leuninger was very involved in topics about asylum in Germany. He wrote about how immigrants can become part of society. He also wrote about Fremdenfeindlichkeit, which means hostility towards strangers. He believed in a Multikulturelle Gesellschaft, a society where many cultures live together peacefully.
Herbert Leuninger died in Limburg at the age of 87 after a short illness.
Awards and Recognition
Herbert Leuninger received several awards for his important work:
- In 1991, he received the Wilhelm Leuschner Medal from the state of Hesse.
- In 1998, he received the Walter-und-Marianne-Dirks-Preis along with his brother Ernst Leuninger.
