Cardinal Vingt-Trois of Paris sidelined by Guillain-Barre syndrome

March 28, 2017

Cardinal André Vingt-Trois of Paris will be unable to preside at Holy Week and Easter ceremonies, becaue he is suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome, the archdiocese has disclosed.

Cardinal Vingt-Trois was hospitalized late in February with a viral infection. Rests eventually revealed the presence of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disease of the immune system that attacks the nerves. The cardinal is expected to recover, but faces a long period of rehabilitation before he can resume normal activities.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, Australia, was stricken with Guillain-Barre syndrome in 2015, and was almost completely paralyzed for some time. He returned to regular active ministry after several months.

 

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Further information:

• Absence du cardinal Vingt-Trois (Paris Catholique)
• Australian archbishop, recovering from severe disease, reflects on suffering (CWN, 3/23/16)