Renato Martino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Renato Raffaele Martino |
|
|---|---|
| Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals | |
.jpg)
Martino in 2011
|
|
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 12 June 2014 |
| Predecessor | Jean-Louis Tauran |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Deacon of S. Francesco di Paola ai Monti |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 20 June 1957 |
| Consecration | 14 December 1980 by Agostino Casaroli |
| Created Cardinal | 21 October 2003 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Renato Raffaele Martino |
| Born | 23 November 1932 Salerno, Italy |
| Died | 28 October 2024 (aged 91) Rome, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian and Vatican |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Previous post |
|
| Alma mater | Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy |
| Motto | Virtus ex Alto ("Power from on high") |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Renato Martino |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Segerme (titular) |
Renato Raffaele Martino (born 23 November 1932 – died 28 October 2024) was an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church. He was from Italy. In 2003, he became a cardinal. From June 2014, he was the longest-serving cardinal deacon, known as the cardinal protodeacon.
Martino worked for over 20 years in the Holy See's diplomatic service. This included 16 years as the Vatican's official representative at the United Nations. From 2002 to 2009, he held important roles in the Roman Curia, which is the administration of the Catholic Church.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Renato Raffaele Martino was born in Salerno, Italy, on 23 November 1932. He became a priest in 1957. He studied and earned a special degree in Canon Law, which is the law of the Catholic Church.
He was very good with languages. He could speak Italian, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. In 1960, he joined the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. This school trains people for diplomatic work for the Holy See.
Starting a Diplomatic Career
In 1962, Martino began his diplomatic service for the Holy See. He worked in several countries. These included Nicaragua, the Philippines, Lebanon, Canada, and Brazil.
Serving as an Apostolic Nuncio
An Apostolic Nuncio is like an ambassador for the Pope. While working in Brazil, Martino was given new important roles. On 14 September 1980, he became the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to Thailand. He also became the Pope's representative to Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, and Brunei Darussalam. At the same time, he was named the Titular Archbishop of Segerme.
Representing the Holy See at the UN
On 3 December 1986, Martino was appointed the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. This meant he was the Vatican's main voice at the UN. He held this position for many years.
During his time at the UN, he spoke about important global issues.
- In 1991, he disagreed with the American-led invasion of Iraq. He also criticized the sanctions placed on Iraq later.
- In 1992, he attended a UN conference in Rio de Janeiro about the environment. He spoke about the importance of human beings.
- In June 1994, he asked the UN to create a "safe haven" for refugees in Rwanda. This was to help save many lives during a difficult time.
- In September 1994, he was the official speaker for the Holy See at a big meeting about population and development.
- In 1995, he took part in the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. He shared the Pope's views on women's roles.
Working in the Roman Curia
On 1 October 2002, Martino was given a new role in the Roman Curia. He became the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. This group works on issues of fairness and peace around the world.
Becoming a Cardinal
In November 2003, he spoke about using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to help end world hunger. He organized a meeting to discuss if GMOs were morally right.
Martino became a cardinal on 21 October 2003. This happened during a special ceremony called a Papal consistory. He became a cardinal deacon of a church called S. Francesco di Paola ai Monti.
In 2005, Martino was one of the cardinals who voted for the new Pope. This event is called a papal conclave. He helped elect Pope Benedict XVI.
On 11 March 2006, he was named President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants. This group helps people who move from place to place, like migrants and travelers.
Views on Global Issues
In November 2006, Martino spoke about plans to build a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. He called it an "inhumane program." He also said that Muslims in Europe should follow local laws about wearing certain types of veils. He believed they should "respect the traditions, symbols, culture and religion of the countries they move to."
Martino was also interested in cars and driving. He even shared a set of "Ten Commandments for Drivers" to promote safe and responsible driving.
Retirement and Later Years
When Martino turned 75, he offered his resignation, as is customary for cardinals. On 28 February 2009, Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation from the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples. Later, on 24 October 2009, he also stepped down from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
Continued Involvement
Even after retirement, Martino remained active.
- In July 2010, he became the Honorary President of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute. This group works to promote human dignity. He resigned from this role in 2019.
- In November 2010, he was appointed Grand Prior of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
- In June 2012, he was named a Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius.
- In October 2011, he was sent by the Pope to a special celebration in Myanmar (Burma). He met with Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
Although he was too old to vote in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, Martino was one of six cardinals who publicly showed their respect to the new Pope at his inauguration.
On 12 June 2014, Martino became the longest-serving cardinal deacon. He had chosen not to become a cardinal priest, even though he had the option after ten years as a cardinal deacon.
In 2017, his appointment to the Order of the Nation by Antigua and Barbuda was canceled.
Renato Raffaele Martino passed away in Rome on 28 October 2024, at the age of 91.
Images for kids
-
Renato Martino's Coat of Arms
See also
In Spanish: Renato Raffaele Martino para niños
