Paul Poupard facts for kids
Paul Joseph Jean Poupard, born on August 30, 1930, is an important French leader in the Catholic Church. He has been a Cardinal since 1985. Cardinals are high-ranking officials who advise the Pope and can vote for a new Pope.
Cardinal Poupard worked in the Roman Curia for over 25 years. The Roman Curia is like the main government or team that helps the Pope manage the Catholic Church worldwide. He was the head of the Pontifical Council for Culture from 1988 to 2007. This group helps the Church connect with different cultures around the world. He also briefly led the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, which works to build understanding between different religions.
Quick facts for kids Paul Poupard |
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| Cardinal President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture |
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Poupard in 2015
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 19 April 1988 |
| Reign ended | 3 September 2007 |
| Predecessor | Gabriel-Marie Garrone |
| Successor | Gianfranco Ravasi |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of Santa Prassede (1996–) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 18 December 1954 |
| Consecration | 6 April 1979 by Gabriel Auguste François Marty |
| Created Cardinal | 25 May 1985 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Deacon (1985–96) Cardinal-Priest (1996–) |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Paul Joseph Jean Poupard |
| Born | 30 August 1930 Bouzillé, France |
| Previous post |
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| Alma mater | Catholic University of the West École pratique des hautes études |
| Motto | Episcopus vobis vobiscum Christianus |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Paul Poupard |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Santa Prassede (titular) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Paul Poupard was born in Bouzillé, a town in France. He started his studies at a school for future priests in Beaupréau. He then went on to study at the University of Angers and the École Pratique des Hautes Études at the Sorbonne.
Becoming a Priest
At the Sorbonne, he earned special degrees in theology (the study of religious faith) and history. On December 18, 1954, he became a priest, ordained by Bishop Stanislas Courbe. After becoming a priest, he taught at the Mongazon School.
Career in the Vatican
In 1959, Paul Poupard began working for the Secretariat of State in the Vatican. This is a very important office that helps the Pope with his daily work and international relations. He was given special titles within the Church, showing his growing importance.
Leadership Roles
From 1972 to 1980, he served as the head, or Rector, of the Institut Catholique de Paris, a Catholic university in Paris. He was also a vice-president of a society that studies French Church history.
Becoming a Bishop
On February 2, 1979, he was appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of Paris. This means he helped the main bishop of Paris. He also became a Titular Bishop of a place called Usilla. On April 6, 1979, he officially became a bishop in a special ceremony.
Work in the Roman Curia
In 1980, Cardinal Poupard moved to the Roman Curia in the Vatican. He became the Pro-President of the Secretariat for Non-Believers. This group worked to understand and talk with people who did not believe in God. In 1988, this group was renamed the Pontifical Council for Culture.
In 1985, he became a Cardinal-Deacon and his title changed to President of the Secretariat for Non-Believers. He continued to lead this important work.
Later Years and Retirement
After Pope John Paul II passed away, Pope Benedict XVI reappointed Cardinal Poupard to his position. In 2006, Pope Benedict also asked him to lead the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. This council works to build bridges and understanding between the Catholic Church and other religions.
In 1996, he was appointed Cardinal-Priest of Santa Prassede, which is a church in Rome. He was one of the cardinals who voted in the 2005 papal conclave to elect Pope Benedict XVI. In September 2007, Pope Benedict XVI appointed new leaders for the councils Cardinal Poupard had been leading.
Writings and Honors
Cardinal Poupard has written many books and articles. His writings have been translated into many languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, German, and Spanish. This shows how widely his ideas and work have been shared.
He holds special honorary degrees from several universities around the world. These include universities in Aix-en-Provence, Fu Jen (Taiwan), Louvain (Belgium), Kyoto (Japan), and Santiago de Chile.
Images for kids
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Poupard in 2015
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Coat of arms of Paul Poupard
See also
In Spanish: Paul Poupard para niños
