Konrad Krajewski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Konrad Krajewski |
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| Cardinal Almoner of His Holiness |
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Krajewski in 2020
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 3 August 2013 |
| Predecessor | Guido Pozzo |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria Immacolata all'Esquilino (2018–) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 11 June 1988 |
| Consecration | 17 September 2013 by Giuseppe Bertello |
| Created Cardinal | 28 June 2018 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 November 1963 Łódź, Poland |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Previous post | Titular Archbishop of Beneventum (2013–18) |
| Alma mater |
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| Motto | Misericordia (Mercy) |
| Signature |  |
| Coat of arms | .svg) |
| Styles of Konrad Krajewski |
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| Reference style |
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| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Konrad Krajewski (born November 25, 1963) is an important person in the Catholic Church. He is a cardinal from Poland. He works as the first leader of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. This is a special office that helps people in need.
Before this role, Cardinal Krajewski was the Pope's master of ceremonies from 1998 to 2013. In 2013, Pope Francis chose him to be the Papal Almoner. This means he was in charge of the Pope's charity work. In June 2022, this office became the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.
Pope Francis made him a cardinal on June 28, 2018.
Contents
Early Life and Church Work
Konrad Krajewski was born in Łódź, Poland. In 1982, he began studying to become a priest. He went to the seminary of the Archdiocese of Łódź. He earned a degree in theology from the Catholic University of Lublin.
On June 11, 1988, he became a priest. For two years after his ordination, he worked in his local church.
Studies in Rome
In 1990, Krajewski moved to Rome to continue his studies. He studied at the Liturgical Institute of St. Anselmo. In 1993, he received a special degree in sacred liturgy.
He then earned a higher degree in theology in 1995. His studies focused on how bishops are ordained in the Church. While in Rome, he also helped with the Pope's special church ceremonies.
Returning to Poland and Back to Rome
After his studies, Krajewski returned to his home diocese in 1995. He helped the archbishop with ceremonies. He also taught about Catholic liturgy to students preparing for religious life.
In 1998, he went back to Rome to work for the Pope's office of liturgical celebrations. On May 12, 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed him as a Papal Master of Ceremonies. This meant he helped organize all of the Pope's public events.
Helping the Poor as Papal Almoner
On August 3, 2013, Pope Francis appointed Konrad Krajewski as the Papal Almoner. This is a very important job focused on charity. At the same time, he was made an archbishop.
He was consecrated as an archbishop on September 17, 2013. Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello led the ceremony. Pope Francis himself attended the event.
Funding Charity Work
As the Papal Almoner, Krajewski carries out acts of charity for the Pope. He also raises money to help those in need. His office gets funds by selling special parchments. These parchments have a photo of the Pope and beautiful writing. They are given for special occasions like weddings or baptisms.
All the money from these sales goes directly to helping people. For example, in 2012, the office spent over a million Euros to help people.
Pope Francis's Vision for Charity
Cardinal Krajewski explained that Pope Francis changed the role of the Papal Almoner. The Pope told him, "You can sell your desk. You don't need it. You need to get out of the Vatican. Don't wait for people to come ringing. You need to go out and look for the poor."
This means Krajewski spends a lot of time outside the Vatican. He visits homes for the elderly and gives money to those who need it. He even spent time on the island of Lampedusa after a boat accident. He prayed with police divers who were recovering bodies from the sea.
In June 2015, Archbishop Krajewski announced plans for a dormitory for homeless people near the Vatican. It would have thirty beds and be run by volunteers. He said the goal was to "give people their dignity." This dormitory opened in October 2015.
Becoming a Cardinal
Pope Francis made him a cardinal on June 28, 2018. He was given the church of Santa Maria Immacolata all'Esquilino in Rome.
Helping with Electricity
On May 11, 2019, Cardinal Krajewski did something very unusual. He went into a manhole in Rome to turn on the electricity for a building. About 450 people lived there, including 100 children. They had been without power and hot water for five days.
He later said he would pay the electricity bills himself. He was surprised by how much attention this action received. He saw it as a normal part of the Catholic Church's charity work.
Helping in Ukraine
In March 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Pope Francis sent Cardinal Krajewski to Ukraine. He went as a special helper from the Pope. He traveled to Ukraine several times. This was a very unusual step for Vatican diplomacy.
Leading the Dicastery for the Service of Charity
On March 19, 2022, Pope Francis made a new rule for the Church. This rule changed the Office of the Papal Almoner. It became the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. This change officially started on June 5, 2022.
Since that date, Cardinal Krajewski has been the leader of this new Dicastery. He also still holds the title of Papal Almoner. This means he continues his important work of helping people in need around the world.
See also
- Cardinals created by Pope Francis
