Pope mourns death of José IV, Patriarch Emeritus of Lisbon

Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolence on the death of Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo, Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon, Portugal.

In the telegram, the Holy Father expressed his “union in prayer” with all those who are mourning the unexpected death of the Cardinal. Pope Francis recalled the work of Patriarch José in the various offices of the Holy See, and his own meetings with the Patriarch, whom he described as a Pastor who was passionate in his search for the truth.

“He was solicitous in putting the gifts received from the Lord at the service of the people of God and of his brother bishops,” the Pope said. He thanked God for the generosity and zeal with which the Patriarch exercised his ministry throughout his life, noting especially his service at the Portuguese Catholic University.

Pope Francis concluded his telegram with the Apostolic Blessing for all those mourning the death of the Patriarch.

Biography of José IV, Patriarch of Lisbon:

Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo, Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon, Portugal, was born on 26 February 1936 in Alvorninha, Portugal. He was ordained on 15 August 1961 for the Patriarchate of Lisbon and holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.

He was director of the seminary in Penafirme, rector of the seminary in Olivais and dean of the Theological Faculty of the Portuguese Catholic University. He later served two terms as rector of the same university (1988-96). He is the author of a number of books and scholarly articles.

On 26 May 1978 he was appointed titular Bishop of Caliabria and Auxiliary of Lisbon, receiving episcopal ordination on 29 June.

On 5 March 1997 he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lisbon and succeeded Cardinal António Ribeiro as Patriarch on 24 March 1998.

He was also Grand Chancellor of the Portuguese Catholic University.

He was elected President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference in April 1999 and served until June 2005. On 3 May 2011 he was re-elected President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference.

Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon, 18 May 2013.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by the Bl. John Paul II in the consistory of 21 February 2001, of the Title of S. Antonio in Campo Marzio (St. Anthony in Campo Marzio).

Vatican Radio
Source: news.va (Mar. 13, 2014)