Jean-Claude Turcotte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Jean-Claude Turcotte |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Montreal | |
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Montreal |
| Province | Montreal |
| Metropolis | Montreal |
| See | Montreal |
| Appointed | 17 March 1990 |
| Reign ended | 20 March 2012 |
| Predecessor | Paul Grégoire |
| Successor | Christian Lépine |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of Nostra Signora del Santissimo Sacramento e Santi Martiri Canadesi |
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| Ordination | 24 May 1959 |
| Consecration | 9 June 1982 by Paul Grégoire |
| Created Cardinal | 26 November 1994 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 June 1936 Montréal, Québec, Canada |
| Died | 8 April 2015 (aged 78) Montréal, Québec, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Montreal |
Jean-Claude Turcotte was an important Roman Catholic leader from Canada. He was born on June 26, 1936, and passed away on April 8, 2015. He became a Cardinal, which is a very high rank in the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Turcotte served as the Archbishop of Montreal from 1990 to 2012. He was known for his dedication to helping others, especially those in need.
Contents
Becoming a Leader in the Church
His Early Life and Studies
Jean-Claude Turcotte was born in Montréal, Québec, Canada. He was one of seven children in his family. From a young age, he attended special schools to prepare for a life in the church.
He studied at Collège André-Grasset and later at the Grand Séminaire and the Université de Montréal. There, he earned a degree in theology, which is the study of religious faith.
Becoming a Priest
After finishing his studies, Jean-Claude Turcotte became a priest on May 24, 1959. He continued his education in Lille, France, where he earned a special diploma in social ministry. This training helped him learn how to serve communities.
Serving as a Bishop
On April 14, 1982, Jean-Claude Turcotte was chosen to be an Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal. This meant he would help the main Archbishop. He officially became a bishop on June 29, 1982, in Montreal's cathedral.
When Pope John Paul II visited Canada in 1984, Bishop Turcotte was in charge of organizing the Pope's visit to Montreal. This was a very big and important task.
Becoming a Cardinal
Archbishop of Montreal
On March 17, 1990, Jean-Claude Turcotte became the Archbishop of Montreal. This meant he was the main leader of the Catholic Church in that large area.
Joining the College of Cardinals
Later, on November 26, 1994, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal-Priest. This is a very high honor. As a cardinal, he became part of the College of Cardinals. This group helps the Pope and elects new Popes.
After becoming a cardinal, he worked in several important departments of the Roman Curia. These departments help manage the worldwide Catholic Church. He also served as the president of the Canadian Episcopal Conference from 1997 to 1999.
Cardinal Turcotte took part in several World Youth Day events. These are large gatherings for young Catholics from all over the world.
His Work and Beliefs
Cardinal Turcotte was well-known for his efforts to help the poor. He wrote a weekly column about religion in a newspaper called Journal de Montréal. He often spoke about social issues and supported causes that helped those who were less fortunate, like people experiencing homelessness.
He was a voting member in two important events called papal conclaves. These are meetings where cardinals choose a new Pope. He participated in the 2005 conclave and the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.
People who worked with him said he was kind and supportive. Nicole Fournier, who led an organization for the homeless, said he "watched over people with a look that was never judgmental."
His Passing
Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte passed away in Montreal on April 8, 2015, at the age of 78.
