Cardinal Poggi, retired Vatican archivist, dead at 92

May 04, 2010

Cardinal Luigi Poggi, the former Vatican archivist and librarian, died on May 4 at the age of 92. Following a diplomatic career in which he had served as apostolic nuncio in Peru, Poland, and Italy, the Italian prelate was named archivist by Pope John Paul II in 1992. He served in that role until his retirement in 1998 at the age of 80. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II in 1994.

With the death of Cardinal Poggi there are now 179 living cardinals, of whom 108 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a papal conclave. Five more cardinals will celebrate their 80th birthdays before the end of September, creating more openings for cardinal-electors. Pope Benedict is expected to call a conclave and appoint new cardinals in the fall.

 

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Further information:

• Telegram for the Death of Cardinal Luigi Poggi (VIS)