José Saraiva Martins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence José Saraiva Martins GCC |
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| Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints | |
Cardinal Saraiva Martins in January 2016
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| Church | Latin Church |
| Appointed | 30 May 1998 |
| Reign ended | 9 July 2008 |
| Predecessor | Alberto Bovone |
| Successor | Angelo Amato |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Bishop of Palestrina |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 16 March 1957 |
| Consecration | 2 July 1988 by Agostino Casaroli |
| Created Cardinal | 21 February 2001 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Bishop |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 January 1932 Gagos de Jarmelo, Guarda, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Previous post |
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| Motto | Veritas in charitate (Truth in charity) |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of José Saraiva Martins |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Palestrina (titular see) |
José Saraiva Martins is a very important leader in the Catholic Church. He is a Portuguese cardinal. A cardinal is a high-ranking official who helps the Pope. He was in charge of a special group called the Congregation for the Causes of Saints from 1998 to 2008. This group decides if someone can become a saint.
Contents
About Cardinal Saraiva Martins
Early Life and Education
José Saraiva Martins was born on January 6, 1932, in a place called Gagos de Jarmelo in Guarda, Portugal. When he was young, he joined a religious group known as the Claretians. He made his special promises to this group on August 22, 1950.
He became a priest on March 16, 1957. An Archbishop named Ettore Cunial helped him become a priest. José Saraiva Martins studied at two important universities in Rome. He earned special degrees in theology, which is the study of religious faith.
Teaching and Leadership Roles
After his studies, Saraiva Martins taught for a year in Marino, Italy. In 1959, he started teaching at a school in Rome called the Roman Claretianum. He taught about important religious ideas for ten years.
Later, he became the leader, or rector, of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. He held this important job three times: from 1977 to 1980, from 1980 to 1983, and again from 1986 to 1988.
Becoming a Bishop and Cardinal
On May 26, 1988, José Saraiva Martins was chosen for a new role. He became the Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education. This group helps guide Catholic schools and universities. At the same time, he was named an archbishop.
He officially became a bishop on July 2, 1988. Cardinal Agostino Casaroli led the special ceremony.
On May 30, 1998, he was given an even bigger job. He became the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. This means he was the head of the group that looks into the lives of people who might become saints.
Working with Popes
Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal Deacon on February 21, 2001. Cardinals are very important advisors to the Pope. When Pope John Paul II passed away on April 2, 2005, Cardinal Saraiva Martins, like other top Vatican officials, stepped down from his role.
He was one of the cardinals who helped choose the next Pope in 2005. This special meeting is called a papal conclave. They chose Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict XVI then asked Cardinal Saraiva Martins to continue his work as Prefect.
On July 9, 2008, Cardinal Saraiva Martins retired from his role as Prefect. Angelo Amato took over his position.
Later Years and Special Tasks
On February 24, 2009, he was given an even higher rank among cardinals. He became a cardinal bishop. This is a very senior position.
Pope Benedict XVI also asked Cardinal Saraiva Martins to continue a special task. He was to help with the process of making José Sánchez del Río a saint. José Sánchez del Río was a 14-year-old Mexican boy who died a hero for his faith. Cardinal Saraiva Martins had even led a special ceremony in Mexico City to honor the young boy.
José Sánchez del Río was finally made a saint on October 16, 2016, by Pope Francis.
Images for kids
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Cardinal Saraiva Martins' coat of arms
See also
In Spanish: José Saraiva Martins para niños
