José Policarpo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence José IV GCC |
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| Cardinal, Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon | |
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| Church | Catholic |
| Archdiocese | Lisbon |
| Appointed | 5 March 1997 (Coadjutor Patriarch) |
| Enthroned | 24 March 1998 |
| Reign ended | 18 May 2013 |
| Predecessor | António Ribeiro |
| Successor | Manuel Clemente |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of S. Antonio in Campo Marzio |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 15 August 1961 |
| Consecration | 29 June 1978 by António Ribeiro |
| Created Cardinal | 21 February 2001 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | José da Cruz Policarpo |
| Born | 26 February 1936 Alvorninha, Estremadura Portugal |
| Died | 12 March 2014 (aged 78) Lisbon, Portugal |
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| Motto | Per Obedientiam ad Libertatem (By Obeidence to Freedom) |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of José da Cruz Policarpo |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Lisbon |
José da Cruz Policarpo (born February 26, 1936 – died March 12, 2014) was an important leader in the Catholic Church. He was known as José IV, Patriarch of Lisbon. From 1998 to 2013, he served as the Patriarch of Lisbon, which is a very high position in the church in Portugal. In 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal. Cardinals are special advisors to the Pope.
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The Early Life of José Policarpo
José da Cruz Policarpo was born in a town called Alvorninha, Portugal, on February 26, 1936. He was the first of nine children in his family. His parents were José Policarpo Sr. and Maria Gertrudes Rosa.
Becoming a Priest
On August 15, 1961, José was ordained as a priest in Lisbon. This means he dedicated his life to serving the church. The ceremony was led by Cardinal Manuel Cerejeira.
His Career in the Church
Before becoming a Cardinal, José Policarpo held many important roles. He helped lead a seminary in Penafirme, which is a school for training priests. He also served as the head of another seminary in Olivais.
Leading a University
He became the dean of the Theological Faculty at the Portuguese Catholic University. Later, he was the rector (like a president) of the same university for two terms, from 1988 to 1996. He also wrote many books and articles about his faith.
Becoming a Bishop and Patriarch
On May 26, 1978, José Policarpo was appointed as an auxiliary bishop of Lisbon. This means he helped the main bishop. He officially became a bishop on June 29, 1978.
Leading the Church in Lisbon
In 1997, he was chosen to be the Coadjutor Archbishop of Lisbon. This meant he would take over as the main leader when the current one retired. On March 24, 1998, he became the Patriarch of Lisbon, following Cardinal António Ribeiro. He also led the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, which is a group of all the bishops in Portugal.
His Role as a Cardinal
On February 21, 2001, Pope John Paul II made José Policarpo a Cardinal. This is one of the highest ranks in the Catholic Church. As a Cardinal, he was part of important groups in the Roman Curia, which is like the Pope's government. These groups included the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Council for Culture.
Choosing a New Pope
When Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005, Cardinal Policarpo was one of the cardinals who helped choose the next Pope. He was even considered a possible candidate himself. He participated in the 2005 papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. He also took part in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.
Retirement
Cardinal Policarpo retired from his role as Patriarch of Lisbon on May 18, 2013. Manuel Clemente took over his position.
Honours and Awards
Grand-Cross of the Order of Christ, Portugal (May 11, 2010)
This award is a high honor given in Portugal.
See also
- College of Cardinals
- List of Cardinals from Portugal
