Karl-Josef Rauber facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Karl-Josef Rauber |
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| Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg | |
Rauber in 2007
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| Appointed | 22 February 2003 |
| Reign ended | 18 June 2009 |
| Predecessor | Pier Luigi Celata |
| Successor | Giacinto Berloco |
| Other posts | Cardinal Deacon of Sant'Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia (2015–2023) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 28 February 1959 |
| Consecration | 6 January 1983 by Pope John Paul II |
| Created Cardinal | 14 February 2015 |
| Rank | Cardinal deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 April 1934 Nuremberg, Germany |
| Died | 26 March 2023 (aged 88) Rottenburg am Neckar |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
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| Motto | Caritas Christi urget nos ('The Love of Christ compels us') |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Karl Josef Rauber |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Karl-Josef Rauber (born April 11, 1934 – died March 26, 2023) was a German leader in the Catholic Church. He served as an apostolic nuncio, which is like an ambassador for the Pope, from 1982 until he retired in 2009. In 2015, Pope Francis made him a cardinal. Cardinals are very important church leaders who advise the Pope and can vote for a new Pope.
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Early Life and Education
Karl-Josef Rauber was born in Nuremberg, Germany. After finishing high school in 1950, he went on to study Catholic theology and philosophy at the University of Mainz. These studies helped him prepare for a life of service in the church.
Becoming a Priest
On February 28, 1959, he became a priest in Mainz Cathedral. Bishop Albert Stohr led the ceremony. He then worked as a chaplain in a town called Nidda. In 1962, he earned a special degree in canon law from a university in Rome. Canon law is the set of rules and laws that govern the Catholic Church.
Working for the Vatican
After his studies, Rauber began working at the Vatican Secretariat of State in 1966. This is a very important office that helps the Pope manage the Church's affairs around the world. He was one of the main secretaries for Archbishop Giovanni Benelli. His job was to handle matters related to German-speaking areas.
First Diplomatic Roles
In 1976, Pope Paul VI gave him the special title of Honorary Prelate. This was a recognition of his dedicated service. In 1977, he became a Nuntiaturrat (a type of diplomat) in Belgium and Luxembourg. Later, in 1981, he served in Greece.
Serving as an Apostolic Nuncio
On December 18, 1982, Pope John Paul II appointed Karl-Josef Rauber as a Titular Archbishop. This means he was given the title of an archbishop for a historical diocese that no longer exists. He also became the pro-nuncio (Pope's ambassador) to Uganda.
Becoming a Bishop
Pope John Paul II made him a bishop on January 6, 1983. His motto as a bishop was "Caritas Christi urget nos," which means "The love of Christ compels us." This motto showed his dedication to serving others through his faith.
Important Diplomatic Missions
- Leading the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy: From 1990 to 1993, Pope John Paul II appointed Rauber to lead the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. This is a special school that trains future Vatican diplomats.
- Nuncio to Switzerland and Liechtenstein: In 1993, he became the Pope's ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. During this time, he helped solve some difficulties in the Diocese of Chur.
- Nuncio to Hungary and Moldova: In 1997, he was appointed as the Apostolic Nuncio to Hungary and Moldova.
- Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg: His last diplomatic role began in 2003, when he became the Pope's ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Retirement and Becoming a Cardinal
Pope Benedict XVI accepted his retirement in 2009 because of his age. Even after retirement, his service was still recognized.
A Surprising Appointment
On January 4, 2015, Pope Francis announced that he would make Karl-Josef Rauber a cardinal. This was seen as a surprising choice by many. Some people thought Pope Francis wanted to honor someone who had not always had an easy time with the traditional ways in Rome. On February 14, 2015, he officially became a Cardinal-Deacon.
Later Life and Death
Cardinal Rauber spent his retirement living with the Schoenstatt sisters in Rottenburg, Germany. He passed away on March 26, 2023, at the age of 88. He had been in poor health for several years.
See also
In Spanish: Karl-Josef Rauber para niños
