Leonard Boyle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonard Eugene Boyle
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| Born | 13 November 1923 Ballintra, County Donegal, Ireland
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| Died | 25 October 1999 (aged 75) |
| Occupation | scholar in medieval studies and palaeography |
Leonard Eugene Boyle was a very smart scholar from Ireland and Canada. He was also a priest in the Dominican Order. He spent his life studying old books and writings, especially from the Middle Ages.
He became the first person from Ireland and North America to lead the famous Vatican Library in Rome. This library holds many ancient and valuable documents.
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About Leonard Boyle
Leonard Boyle was born in County Donegal, Ireland, on November 13, 1923. When he was 20, he joined the Dominican Order, which is a group of Catholic priests. He became a priest himself in 1949.
He went to Oxford University in England. There, he earned a special degree called a doctorate. This showed he was an expert in his field of study.
His Studies and Teaching
From 1956 to 1961, Leonard Boyle taught at a university in Rome. He taught about old Latin writings and the history of ideas from the Middle Ages.
Later, he moved to Canada. From 1961 to 1984, he taught at the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies and the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto. He helped many students learn about history and old documents.
Leading the Vatican Library
In 1984, something very important happened. Pope John Paul II chose Leonard Boyle to be the head of the Vatican Library. This is a huge library with millions of old books and manuscripts.
As the Prefect, Father Boyle started an important project. He began to make digital copies of the library's many old manuscripts. This made it easier for people all over the world to study them. He also hired women to work at the library for the first time.
In 1987, Canada honored him for his great work. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is a high award for people who have done great things for their country.
Later Life and Legacy
Leonard Boyle retired from the Vatican Library in 1997. He passed away on October 25, 1999, at the age of 75. He is buried in Rome at a church called San Clemente al Laterano.
Father Boyle is remembered as a scholar who helped preserve and share ancient knowledge with the world.
