Cardinal Spidlik, Czech scholar, dead at 90

April 19, 2010

Cardinal Tomas Spidlik, a Czech Jesuit scholar, died in Rome on April 16 at the age of 90.

A theologian who specialized in the study of the Eastern Christian traditions, Cardinal Spidlik received his red hat from Pope John Paul II at the conclave of 2003-- when he was already over 80, and thus unable to participate in a papal conclave—in recognition of his scholarly work. Last December 17, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass for the Czech prelate on his 90th birthday. In reaction to his death the Pontiff said: "It is with profound gratitude that I recall his solid faith, his paternal affability and his intense cultural and ecclesial labours, especially as an authoritative expert on Eastern Christian spirituality."

 

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Further information:

• Death of Cardinal Tomas Spidlik (VIS)