Birth. November 18, 1943, Buenos Aires, Argentina. From a family of Italian origin. Son of Antonio Enrico Sandri and Nella Righi.

Education. Studied at the Metropolitan Seminary of Buenos Aires; at the Theological Faculty, Buenos Aires (licentiate in theology); at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law; while in Rome, he resided at the Pontifical Collegio Pio-Latinoamericano; later, studied at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome (diplomacy). Besides his native Spanish, he speaks Italian, French, English and German.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 2, 1967, chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Major Seminary of Buenos Aires, by Archbishop Juan Carlos Aramburu, coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires. He was incardinated in the archdiocese of Buenos Aires. Parish vicar and secretary to Cardinal Juan Carlos Aramburu. Sent to Rome to continue his studies in 1970; entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1974. Served in the nunciatures in Madagascar and Mauritius; in the Secretariat of State, 1977 to 1989; and in the nunciature in the United States of America as permanent observer of the Holy See before the Organization of American States from 1989 to 1991. Named regent of the prefecture of the Pontifical Household on August 22, 1991. Named assessor of the Secretariat of State for general affairs on April 2, 1992.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Cittanova and named nuncio to Venezuela, July 22, 1997. Consecrated, October 11, 1997, patriarchal Vatican basilica, Vatican City, by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, assisted by Cardinal Juan Carlos Aramburu, archbishop emeritus of Buenos Aires, and by Giovanni Battista Re, titular archbishop of Vescovio, substitute of the Secretariat of State for General Affairs. His episcopal motto is Ille fides. Nuncio to México, March 1, 2000. Named substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, September 16, 2000. He read the messages of Pope John Paul II when the pope could not read them himself because of his illness; he announced to the world the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005 from Saint Peter's Square. Confirmed by the new Pope Benedict XVI in the post of substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, April 21, 2007. Named prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, June 9, 2007.

Birth. Monday November 11, 1935, Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital, Darby, archdiocese of Philadelphia, United States of America. He was the only child of John Edward Foley and Regina Vogt.

Education. Studied at Holy Spirit School, Sharon Hill; at Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, Philadelphia; at Saint Joseph's College, Philadelphia (elected president of the student body, 1956; bachelor's summa cum laude in history,1957); at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood (bachelor's degree in philosophy, 1958); at S. Tommaso d'Aquino University (Angelicum), Rome (licentiate in philosophy, 1964; doctorate cum laude; dissertation: "Natural Law, Natural Right and the Warren Court"); and at Columbia University's School of Journalism (master of science in journalism magna cum laude, 1966; president of the student body of the Journalism School and representative on the university council).

Priesthood. Ordained, May 19, 1962, metropolitan cathedral of Philadelphia, by John Joseph Krol, archbishop of Philadelphia. Assistant pastor at Sacred Heart church, Manoa, Havertown, archdiocese of Philadelphia, 1962-1963. In 1963, he was named assistant editor of The Catholic Standard and Times (the archdiocesan newspaper) and was assigned to graduate study in Rome, where he also served as Rome correspondent of the newspaper from 1963 until 1965, during the second and third sessions of the Second Vatican Council. In 1966, he was named assistant pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church, Philadelphia, a center-city parish, and member of the faculty of Cardinal Dougherty High School, with residence in St. Bernard Church, also in Philadelphia. In 1967, named again assistant editor of The Catholic Standard and Times and, at the same time, professor of philosophy at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. News secretary for the meetings of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in the United States from 1969 until 1984; English-language press liaison for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland and the United States in 1979; and for the Synod of Bishops held at the Vatican in 1980. From 1970 to 1984 he was the newspaper's editor. Prelate of honor of His Holiness, January 18, 1976.

Birth. January 3, 1935, Novara. Son of Carlo Lajolo, a physician, and Teresa Tobia; before getting married, his mother emigrated as a girl with her family to the United States of America and obtained the U.S. citizenship, which she kept after her return to Italy. He was baptized on January 6, 1935, in the basilica of S. Gaudenzio in Novara.

Education. Studied at the Seminary of Novara; at the Pontifical Roman Seminary; at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, where he obtained a licentiate in philosophy in 1955; and a licentiate in theology in 1959); at the University of München, where he earned a doctorate in canon law in 1965; and at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, from 1965 to 1968, where he studied diplomacy. Besides his native Italian, he also speaks German, English and French.

Priesthood. Ordained, April 29, 1960, by Ugo Poletti, titular bishop of Medeli, auxiliary of Novara. Incardinated in the diocese of Novara. Further studies in Rome. Entered the service of the Secretariat of State in 1970. Worked in the nunciature in Germany collaborating with Nuncio Corrado Bafile, future cardinal, from 1970 to November 1974. Staff member of the Council for Public Affairs of the Church from November 1974. Named counselor of nunciature, January 1, 1983. He closely followed the negotiations that led to the signing, in 1984, of the revision of the concordat between Italy and Holy See.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Cesariana and appointed secretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, October 3, 1988. Consecrated, January 6, 1989, patriarchal Vatican basilica, by Pope John Paul II, assisted by Edward Idris Cassidy, titular archbishop of Amanzia, substitute of the Secretariat of State, and by José Tomás Sánchez, archbishop emeritus of Nueva Segovia, secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. His episcopal motto is Deus Dominus et illuxit nobis. Nuncio to Germany, November 7, 1995 to October 7, 2003; during this time in Germany, he organized the Holy See's pavilion at the Hanover Expo 2000 and transferred the nunciature from Bonn to Berlin; also, he was responsible for the many diplomatic agreements between the Holy See and various German länder: in 1996 with Saxony; in 1997 with Thuringia and Lower Mecklenburg-Pomerania; in 1998 with the Saxony-Anhalt; and finally, in 2003 with Brandenburg and with Free City of Bremen. Named secretary of the secretariat of State for the Relations with the States, October 7, 2003; confirmed in his post by the new Pope Benedict XVI, April 21, 2005. Named president of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City and president of the Governatorato of the same state, June 22, 2006; the appointment took effect September 15, 2006 (1).

Birth. September 5, 1934, Kirchhundem, archdiocese of Paderborn, Germany. His parents owned a movie theater, a restaurant and a hotel.

Education. Studied at the Gymnasium of Attendorn (secondary education) until 1955; then, studied two semesters of medicine in Münster; later, at the Philosophical Faculty of Paderborn (philosophy); also, studied philosophy in Lyon; also, studied at the Theological Faculty of Paderborn (theology); and at the University of Mainz, where he was assistant to Professor Karl Lehmann, future cardinal; he was the first student who defended his thesis under young professor Lehmann; dissertation: "Sendung zum Dienst. Exegetisch-historische und systematische Studien zum Konzilsdekret 'Über Leben und Dienst der Priester'", 1971.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 21, 1961, by Lorenz Jaeger, archbishop of Paderborn, future cardinal. Prefect of Studienheim Sankt Klemens for late vocations of the dioceses of Paderborn and Münster, 1962-1966. Prefect of "Collegium Leonium" (priestly seminary of the archdiocese of Paderborn), 1966-1969. Doctoral studies in Münster and Mainz, 1969-1971. In 1972, he was called to the secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Germany; relator for pastoral affairs.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Naisso and appointed auxiliary of Paderborn, October 27, 1975. Consecrated, February 1, 1976, cathedral of Paderborn, by Johannes Joachim Degenhardt, archbishop of Paderborn, assisted by Cardinal Julius Döpfner, archbishop of München und Freising, and by Paul Norhues, titular bishop of Cos, auxiliary of Paderborn. His episcopal motto is Deus fidelis. Honorary canon of the cathedral chapter of Paderborn, July 20, 1980. Named vice-president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity in 1980. Promoted to archbishop and appointed president of Pontifical Council Cor Unum, December 2, 1995. Attended the Special Assembly for America of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16 to December 12, 1997. Attended the Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, April 29 to May 14, 1998. Special papal envoy to the peoples of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, who were struck by hurricane "Mitch", November 29 to December 3, 1998. Attended the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1 to 23, 1999. Attended the Tenth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30 to October 27, 2001 Attended the Eleventh General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 23, 2005.

Birth. September 17, 1943, Sorano, diocese of Sovana-Pitigliano (now Pitigliano-Sovana-Orbetello), Italy. Son of Fernando Comastri and Beneria Scossa.

Education. Elementary studies at schools in Sorano; then, studied at the Seminary of Pitigliano; at the Regional Seminary "S. Maria della Quercia", Viterbo (superior studies); at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome (licentiate in theology); and at the Pontifical Roman Seminary.

Priesthood. Ordained, March 11, 1967, parish church of Sorano, by Luigi Boccadoro, bishop of Montefiascone and apostolic administrator of Sovana-Pitigliano. Vice-rector of the Minor Seminary of Pitigliano and, at the same time, pastoral work in the parish of S. Quirico. Went to Rome and became officer of the S. C. Consistorial. Spiritual director of the Pontifical Minor Roman Seminary, Rome; and pastoral work in Roman jails. Returned to his diocese and was named rector of the Seminary of Pitigliano in 1971. Pastor of the parish of S. Stefano Protomartire in Porto S. Stefano, Grosseto, in 1979. Member of the college of consultors; episcopal delegate for the seminarians residing outside of the diocese; professor of religion at the Professional Institute for Maritime Activities, Porto S. Stefano. He acknowledges himself as a spiritual son of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Massa Marittima-Piombo, July 25, 1990. Consecrated, September 12, 1990, in the parish church S. Stefano Protomartire in Porto S. Stefano, by Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, bishop of the title of the suburbicarian see of Palestrina, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, assisted by Gaetano Bonicelli, archbishop of Siena-Colle di Val d'Elsa-Montalcino, and by Eugenio Binini, bishop of Sovana-Pitigliano-Orbetello. His episcopal motto is Deus charitas est. Resigned the pastoral government of the diocese for health reasons, March 3, 1994. After his recovery, in that same year, he was named president of the National Italian Committee for the Jubilee of the Year 2000 and placed in charge of the National Center for Vocations of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Named prelate of Loreto and pontifical delegate for the Lauretano shrine, and promoted to the rank of archbishop, November 9, 1996; retired, February 5, 2005. Named coadjutor of the archpriest of the papal basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, vicar general of His Holiness for the State of Vatican City, and president of the Fabric of St. Peter's basilica, February 5, 2005. He preached the Lent Spiritual Exercises for Pope John Paul II and the Roman Curia. He redacted the meditations for the Way of the Cross presided by Pope Benedict XVI in the Colosseum on Good Friday 2005. Succeeded to the post of archpriest of the papal Vatican basilica, vicar general of His Holiness for the State of Vatican City and president of the Fabric of St. Peter's basilica, October 31, 2006. He is currently vice president of the Pontifical Academy of the Immacolata.

Birth. July 4, 1945, Andrychów, archdiocese of Kraków (now in the new diocese of Bielsko-Zwyiec), Poland. Son of Władysław and Aurelia Ryłko. He had an older brother, Władysław, who died in 2007, and a sister, Jadwiga, who lives in Andrychów.

Education. Studied at the Primary school nr. 2 in Andrychów; at the Lyceum of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Andrychów (graduated in 1963); at the Major Seminary of Kraków; at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Kraków (licentiate in moral theology); and at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, where he earned a doctorate in social sciences. Besides his native Polish, he speaks Italian, English and German.

Priesthood. Ordained, March 30, 1969, by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, archbishop of Kraków, Wawel Cathedral Basilica, Kraków. Incardinated in the archdiocese of Kraków. Pastoral ministry in a parish in Poronin for two years. Further studies. Vice-rector of the Major Seminary of Kraków. Professor of practical theology in the faculty of theology of the Pontifical Theological Academy of Kraków. Secretary of the commission of the lay apostolate of the Polish Episcopal Conference. In 1987, he was called to Rome and made responsible for the section for the youth of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and at the same time, chief of office; during this period, he coordinated the organization of the World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and in Częstechowa, Poland. In 1992, he was transferred to the Polish section of the Secretariat of State.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Novica and named secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, December 20, 1995. Consecrated, January 6, 1996, patriarchal Vatican basilica, Vatican City, by Pope John Paul II, assisted by Giovanni Battista Re, titular archbishop of Vescovio, substitute of the Secretariat of State for General Affairs, and by Jorge María Mejía, titular archbishop of Apollonia, secretary of the Congregation for Bishops. His episcopal motto is Lux mea Christus. Named president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and promoted to the rank of archbishop, October 4, 2003. Attended the Eleventh General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 23, 2005.

Birth. September 24, 1933, Buonalbergo, diocese of Ariano Irpino (now Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia), Italy. One of his sisters is also a Salesian.

Education. Entered the Congregation of Saint Francis de Sales of Saint John Bosco (Salesians) at the Novitiate of Portici Bellavista, Naples, on August 15, 1947; professed on September 25, 1949; made his perpetual vows on September 25, 1954, in Naples; that same year he began his studies in theology at the Theological Faculty of the Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum of Turin (licentiate in theology, 1958); obtained the abilitazione to teach history and philosophy in the lyceums and teaching institutes from the Faculty of History and Philosophy of the University of Naples, in 1961. Obtained a doctorate in ecclesiastical history from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, in 1965 (thesis on Eusebius of Caesarea, awarded a gold medal). In 1969, he received a scholarship (Dozentenstipendium) from the Humboldt-Stiftung of the Federal Republic of Germany, to research for two years on "Origen: La regalità di Cristo nel Commento a Matteo", at Franz-Josef-Dölger-Institut of the University of Bonn. Besides his native Italian, he is fluent in German, Spanish, Japanese, and French.

Priesthood. Ordained, July 1, 1958, in Turin, by Michele Albert Arduino, S.D.B., bishop of Shiuchow, China. Further studies, 1958-1968. Professor of ecclesiastical history and patrology at the Salesian theological college of Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, from 1962 to 1963. Professor of history of the church (from the origin to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 A.D.) and of methodology at the Theological Faculty of the Pontifical Salesian University, 1968 to 1972; from 1973 to 1975, he was dean of the same faculty; ordinary professor of ecclesiastical history at the Faculty of Theology of that university from 1976 until 1997, when he retired; rector of the university from 1977 to 1983; and from 1992 to 1997. He was director of the review Salesianum from 1977 to 1983; and from 1992 to 1997. In 1978, he was named regolatore of the 22nd general chapter of his congregation by Rector Major Don Egidio Viganò. From 1979 until 1997, he was member of the scientific direction of the Corona Patrum of the International Publishing Society of Turin. In 1981, he became member of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Science; and its secretary from 1981 to 1989. From 1984 to 1990, he was director of the central Salesian archive of Rome. From 1986 to 1991, he was under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture. In October 1991, he was decorated with the Cross of Merit of the government of the Federal German Republic. From 1992 until 2006, he was president of the editorial commission of Libreria Editrice Vaticana. From 1992 to 1997, he was president of the animator committee of the rectors of the pontifical Roman athenaeums. In that same period, he was representative of the Holy See before the Association of European Universities. Between 1995 and 1999, he was member of the theological- historical commission of the Grand Jubilee of the Year 2000. Named prefect of the Apostolic Vatican Library, May 25, 1997. On July 17, 2000, the minister of culture of France nominated him commander of the Order of the Arts and the Letters. On July 24, 2005, he was named knight grand cross of merit of the Italian Republic. He is member of numerous learned societies (1).

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Oderzo, November 15, 2006. Consecrated, December 16, 2006, at the papal Vatican basilica, by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., secretary of State, assisted by Cardinal James Francis Stafford, grand penitentiary, and by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church. His episcopal motto is Dominus spes nostra. Named archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church and elevated to the rank of archbishop, June 25, 2007.

Birth. February 12, 1931, Corral de Almaguer, archdiocese of Toledo, Spain. Son of Eugenio García-Gasco and Petra Vicente.

Education. Primary studies at Colegio de los Hermanos de las Escuelas Cristianas La Salle; entered the Seminary of Madrid-Alcalá in 1944; then, studied at the Pontifical University of Comillas, where he obtained a licentiate in theology in 1969; obtained a diploma in Industrial Sociology and Human Relations in 1970; a diploma in Enterprise Science in 1976; and a diploma in Adult Education and Distance Education Techniques in 1977.

Priesthood. Ordained, May 26, 1956, Madrid, by Leopoldo Eijo y Garay, bishop of Madrid-Alcalá, patriarch of the Western Indies. Pastor in Villamanta. Episcopal Delegate of Diocesan Cáritas. Professor of the school of Cursillos de Cristiandad. Religious assessor of the Commissariat of Cultural Extension of Ministry of Education and Science and of the Provincial Diputation of Madrid from 1958 to 1970. Member of Diocesan Pastoral Junta, 1963-1966. Pastor of the parish of Santísimo Cristo del Amor, Madrid, in 1964. In 1966, he was named prefect of theologians and professor of the Seminary of Madrid. Later, in 1970, pastor of the parish Santiago y San Juan Bautista, Madrid. Secretary general of the Institución "Arzobispo Claret"; member of the National Secretariat of the Clergy, Madrid; and counselor of the Asociación de Padres de Familia del Colegio Sagrado Corazón. He was also founder and director of the Instituto Internacional de Teología a Distancia. Professor of religion of U.N.E.D. (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) and diocesan delegate of the clergy, 1973. In 1977, he was named episcopal vicar of the Third Vicariate of Madrid. In 1979, he was designated professor of Instituto Teológico "San Damaso"; and in 1982, president of Institución Arzobispo Claret.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Nona and appointed auxiliary of Madrid-Alcalá, March 20, 1985. Consecrated, May 11, 1985, church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Madrid, by Ángel Suquía Goicoechea, archbishop of Madrid, assisted by Cardinal Vicente Enrique y Tarancón, archbishop emeritus of Madrid, and by Antonio Innocenti, titular archbishop of Eclano, nuncio in Spain. His episcopal motto was In nomine tuo laxabo rete. In 1988, he was named bishop secretary general of Spanish Episcopal Conference for a period of five years. In 1990, he assumed the presidency of Instituto Internacional de Teología a Distancia, now denominated Instituto Superior de Ciencias Religiosas "San Agustín". Promoted to the metropolitan see of Valencia, July 24, 1992. He hosted the Fifth World Day of the Family in Valencia in 2006.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of November 24, 2007; received the red biretta and the title of S. Marcello, November 24, 2007. On January 8, 2009, the pope accepted his resignation from the pastoral government of the metropolitan archdiocese of Valencia, presented in conformity to canon 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law. He was apostolic administrator of the archdiocese until the installation of his successor on April 18, 2009. Lost the right to participate in the conclave when he turned eighty years old on February 12, 2011. In his retirement, the cardinal lived in an apartment at the Seminary of Moncada, Valencia.

Birth. August 16, 1939, Drumcalpin, near Laragh, diocese of Kilmore, Ireland. Son of Andrew and Annie Brady. His father was a farmer, who died in 1968; his mother died in 1990, aged 86. He has a brother, Con; and a sister, Kitty.

Education. Studied at Caulfield National School, Laragh; at St. Patrick's College, Cavan; at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth; studied and resided at the Pontifical Irish College, Rome; and at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law in 1967.

Priesthood. Ordained, February 22, 1964, Pontifical Irish College, Rome, by Cardinal Luigi Traglia, titular archbishop of Cesarea di Palestina, vice-gerent of Rome. Professor in St. Patrick's College, Cavan, from 1967 until 1980. In 1980 he was named vice-rector of the Pontifical Irish College, Rome; its rector, 1987 to 1993. He returned to Ireland and became pastor of Castletara, Cavan (Ballyhaise), diocese of Kilmore, 1993-1994.

Episcopate. Elected coadjutor archbishop of Armagh, Ireland, December 13, 1994. Consecrated, February 19, 1995, metropolitan cathedral of Saint Patrick, Armagh, by Cardinal Cahal Brendan Daly, archbishop of Armagh, assisted by Emmanuel Gerada, titular archbishop of Nomento, nuncio in Ireland, and by Gerard Clifford, titular bishop of Geron, auxiliary of Armagh. His episcopal motto is Jesum Christum cognoscere. Succeeded as metropolitan archbishop of Armagh and primate of All Ireland, October 1, 1996; he was installed on November 3, 1996. Chairman of the Irish Episcopal Conference. Attended the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 1 to 23, 1999. Attended the Ninth General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 23, 2005.

Birth. April 29, 1937, Barcelona, Spain. Son of Joan Martínez Puig, a commercial representative, and Maria Sistach Masllorens, a housewife; they had three children, two girls and Lluís; they resided in the neighborhood of Guinardó, where the two sisters still live.

Education. Studied bachillerato at Colegio de la Inmaculada of the Marist Brothers, Barcelona, 1942-1953; Major Seminary of Barcelona, Barcelona, 1954-1961; Escola Normal de Barcelona (education), 1956-1959; Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, 1962-1967 (doctorate in utroque iure, both canon and civil law, 1967; dissertation: "El Derecho de asociación en la Iglesia", published by the Theological Faculty of Catalonia).

Priesthood. Ordained, September 17, 1961, parish church of Santa Maria de Cornellá de Llobregat, by Gregorio Modrego Casaus, archbishop-bishop of Barcelona. In Barcelona, coadjutor of the parish "Sant Pere" in Gavá, July 24, 1963 until 1967; notary of the Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Tribunal, 1967-1973; counselor of the Moviment de Graduats of the Catholic Action, January 18, 1969. Vicar of the parishes "Nuestra Señora de Montserrat" and "Santa Isabel de Aragón", Barcelona, April 20, 1970; synodal judge, December 31, 1971; vice-secretary of the Catalonian bishops, 1971-1977; vice-official of the metropolitan Tribunal, 1973; professor of canon law at the Theological Faculty of Catalonia and at the Superior Institute of Religious Sciences of Barcelona, 1975-1987; member of the presbyteral council, December 1, 1978; sector episcopal vicar, 1978-1979; vicar general and coordinator of the curia, September 11, 1979 until 1991. Secretary of the Conference of Bishops of the province of Tarragona, 1977-1997. Elected president of the Spanish Association of Canonists, 1983; occupied the post until 1988. Member of the College of Consultors in 1985.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Aliezira and appointed auxiliary of Barcelona, November 6, 1987. Consecrated, December 27, 1987, metropolitan cathedral of Barcelona, by Cardinal Narciso Jubany Arnau, archbishop of Barcelona, assisted by Mario Tagliaferri, titular archbishop of Formia, nuncio in Spain, and by Ramón Torrella Cascante, archbishop of Tarragona. His episcopal motto is Charitas Christi urget nos. Transferred to the see of Tortosa, May 17, 1991. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Tarragona, February 20, 1997. Member of "Consell Social de la Llengua Catalana" of the Generalitat de Catalunya since 1999. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Barcelona, June 15, 2004. On that same day, the archiepiscopal see of Barcelona was elevated to the rank of metropolitan see.

Birth. November 7, 1942, Paris, France. Son of Armand Vingt-Trois and Paulette Vuillamy.

Education. Studied at the Lycée Henri IV, Paris (secondary studies); at Séminaire de Saint-Sulpice d'Issy-les-Moulineaux, from 1962; at the Institut Catholique de Paris (licentiate in moral theology). Military service in Germany, 1964-1965. He was ordained deacon by Daniel Pézeril, titular bishop of Reperi, auxiliary of Paris, in October 1968.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 28, 1969, Paris, by Cardinal François Marty, archbishop of Paris. He worked especially in parochial catechetics and the formation of the laity, 1969-1974. From 1974 to 1981, he was vicar at the parish of Sainte-Jeanne de Chantal, Paris. From 1981 to 1988, he was director of the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice d'Issy-les-Moulineaux; professor of moral and sacramental theology; he participated in the work of the different movements of familial pastoral, notably of CPM (Centre de Priparation au Marriage); and in the sessions of permanent formation of the clergy. Vicar general of the archdiocese of Paris; he was in charge of diocesan formation (cathedral school and diocesan seminary); of the means of communications (Radio Notre-Dame, Paris Notre-Dame, Centre d'Information); of the familial pastoral, of the chaplains of public education; and of catechetics.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Tibili and appointed auxiliary of Paris, June 25, 1988. Consecrated, October 14, 1988, metropolitan cathedral of Paris, by Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, archbishop of Paris, assisted by Daniel Pézeril, titular bishop of Reperi, auxiliary of Paris, and by Gabriel Vanel, bishop of Auch. His episcopal motto is Sic enim Deus dilecta mundum. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Tours, April 21, 1999. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Paris and named ordinary of the Catholics of Oriental rite in France, February 11, 2005. Elected president of the Episcopal Conference of France for three years on November 5, 2007; re-elected in 2010; occupied the post until July 1, 2013.

Birth. January 14, 1943, Pontevico, diocese of Brescia, Italy. His parents were Alfredo and Rosa Bagnasco; he was a worker in a pastry factory, and she was a housewife. He had an older sister, Anna. The family had to move to Pontevico because of the Second World War but returned to Genoa after it was over.

Education. Studied at the Archiepiscopal Seminary of Genoa (ginnasiali and liceale studies); and at the State University of Genoa, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy in 1979.

Priesthood. Ordained, June 29, 1966, Brescia, by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri, archbishop of Genoa. Vicar, parish of "S. Pietro e S. Teresa del Bambino Gesù, Genoa, 1966-1985. From 1986 to 1995, pastoral assistant with diocesan duties. From 1980 to 1998, professor of metaphysics and contemporary atheism at the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy, section "Parallela di Genova". From 1975 to 1984, professor of Italian at "Liceo Classico", Seminary of Genoa. From 1980 to 1995, diocesan assistant of F.U.C.I. (Federazione Universitari Cattolici Italiani). From 1985 to 1996, director of the Catechetical Office of the diocese and of Liguria, as well as regional delegate for the pastoral of the schools. From 1986 to 1994, president and professor of "Istituto Superiore di Scienze Religiose" of Genoa, with competence for the entire "Regione Ecclesiastica Ligure". From 1990 to 1996, director of the Office of Education with the charge of the formation of the teachers of religion. From 1993 to 1996, director of the diocesan work "Apostolato Liturgico". From 1995 to 1997, episcopal vicar and spiritual director of the Archiepiscopal Seminary of Genoa.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Pesaro, January 3, 1998. Consecrated, February 7, 1998, metropolitan cathedral of S. Lorenzo, Genoa, by Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Genoa, assisted by Gaetano Michetti, bishop emeritus of Pesaro, and by Giacomo Barabino, bishop of Ventimiglia-San Remo. His episcopal motto is Christus spes mea. Promoted to archbishop when the diocese of Pesaro was elevated to the rank of metropolitan see, March 11, 2000. President of the administrative council of the daily Italian Catholic newspaper "Avvenire" from 2001. Named military ordinary for Italy, June 20, 2003. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Genoa, August 29, 2006. Pope Benedict XVI named him president of the Italian Episcopal Conference on March 7, 2007; confirmed for another quinquennium on March 7, 2012.

Birth. November 28, 1936, Fadiouth, archdiocese of Dakar, Sénégal. Son of Rog Sarr and Louise Diakher Diouf; they had three sons and four daughters.

Education.Studied at the Minor Seminary of Hann (secondary studies; obtained a baccalaureate); at the Major Seminary of Sebikhotane (philosophy and theology); and at the University of Dakar (licentiate in Classical languages: Latin and Greek).

Priesthood. Ordained, May 28, 1964, N'Gasobil, by Hyacinthe Thiandoum, archbishop of Dakar, future cardinal. Further studies at the University of Dakar and pastoral ministry at the parish of Saint-Thérèse, Dakar, as assistant of the groups of Catholic Action. Professor of the Minor Seminary of N'Gasobil; later, its superior, 1970-1974.

Episcopate. Elected bishop of Kaolack, July 1, 1974. Consecrated, November 24, 1974, Kaolack, open air, grand square of Collège Pie XII, by Hyacinthe Thiandoum, archbishop of Dakar, assisted by Théophile Albert Cadoux, bishop emeritus of Kaolack, and by Augustin Sagna, bishop of Ziguinchor. His episcopal motto is Ad quem ibimus. He was the first African bishop of the diocese. He served on various commissions within the Episcopal Conference of Senegal, Mauritania, Cape-Verde and Guinea-Bissau. Since 1980 he wa president of the Commission on Education. From 1987 until November 2005 he was president of that Episcopal Conference. From 1994 to 1998, he was president of the World Council of the international Office of Catholic Education. He has served as vice-president and as president of the Regional Episcopal Conference of Western Africa (CERAO). From 2003 to 2006 he served as the second vice-president of the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), and in 2007 he became first vice-president. Promoted to metropolitan see of Dakar, June 2, 2000. He entered the archdiocese on the following August 19. First vice-president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

Birth. December 24, 1944, Bombay (now Mumbai), India. Son of Jervis and Aduzinda Gracias. His ancestry stems from Goa, the former Portuguese colony which is considered the birthplace of Latin Rite Catholicism in India. He is also called with the nickname Cardinal Osie.

Education. Studied at the Seminary of St. Pius X, Bombay (philosophy and theology); at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, from 1976 to 1982, where he earned a doctorate in canon law and a diploma in jurisprudence. He also obtained a bachelor of arts in sociology and political science.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 20, 1970, Bombay, by Cardinal Valerian Gracias, archbishop of Bombay. Chancellor and secretary to the bishop of Jamshedpur, 1971-1976. Further studies in Rome, 1976-1982. Returned to Bombay in 1982 and was named chancellor, judge of the metropolitan tribunal and judicial vicar. From 1991, he was also archdiocesan consultor; visiting professor of the Seminary of Bombay; and of the Pontifical Seminaries of Poona and Bangalore; also, president of the Canon Law Society of India.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Bladia and appointed auxiliary of Bombay, June 28, 1997. Consecrated, September 16, 1997, St. Michael's school in Mahim, archdiocese of Bombay, by Ivan Dias, archbishop of Bombay, assisted by Ferdinand Joseph Fonseca, titular bishop of Acqua di Mauritania, auxiliary of Bombay, and by Bosco Penha, titular bishop of Maxula Prato, auxiliary of Bombay. His episcopal motto is To reconcile all things in Christ. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Agra, September 7, 2000. President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CCBI), Latin rite. Advisor to the Indian Catholic Press Association. Attended the Eleventh General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 23, 2005. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Bombay, October 14, 2006.

Birth. March 2, 1949, Mascota, diocese of Tepic, México. From a working-class family in Jalisco. Third of the sixteen children of Francisco Robles Arreola and Teresa Ortega de Robles. His first name is also listed as José Francisco.

Education. Studied at the Minor Seminary of Autlán (humanities); then, at the Seminary of Guadalajara (philosophy); later, at the Seminario de Zamora (theology); and finally, at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1976-1979 (licentiate in dogmatic theology).

Priesthood. Ordained, July 20, 1976, for the diocese of Autlan, in the parish church of Mascota, by Maclovio Vázquez Silos, bishop of Autlán. Further studies in Rome, 1976-1979. Vicar general of Autlán and professor of philosophy and theology at its seminary. At the death of Bishop Vázquez Silos, in July 1990, he was named diocesan administrator.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Bossa and appointed auxiliary of Toluca, April 30, 1991. Consecrated, June 5, 1991, cathedral of Toluca, by Alfredo Torres Romero, bishop of Toluca, assisted by José María Hernández Hurtado, bishop of Netzahualcóyotl, and by Javier Lozano Barragán, bishop of Zacatecas. His episcopal motto is In simplicitate fidei. At the death of Bishop Torres Romero on October 15, 1995, he was named diocesan administrator of Toluca. Transferred to the see of Toluca, June 15, 1996; took possession of the see on July 15, 1996. Participated in the Special Assembly for America of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16 to December 12, 1997. Promoted to the metropolitan see of Monterrey, January 25, 2003. Received the pallium from Pope John Paul II on June 29, 2003, at the patriarchal Vatican basilica. President of the Episcopal Commission Pro Colegio Mexicano for the triennium 2004-2006. Participated in the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate (CELAM), celebrated in Aparecida, Brazil, from May 13 to 31, 2007.

Birth. May 23, 1949, Steubenville, United States of America. Son of Nicholas DiNardo and Jane Green. He has a twin sister, Margaret; an older brother, Thomas; and a younger sister, Mary Anne. His family moved to Castle Shannon, diocese of Pittsburgh.

Education. Secondary studies in Pittsburgh; then, studied at Saint Paul Seminary, Pittsburgh; at the The Catholic University of America, Washington, where he earned a master's in philosophy; and at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, where he obtained a licentiate in theology; also studied patrology at the Augustinianum, Rome.

Priesthood. Ordained, July 16, 1977, Pittsburgh, by Vincent Leonard, bishop of Pittsburgh; incardinated in the diocese of Pittsburgh. Vice-pastor and adjunct episcopal chancellor in the diocese of Pittsburgh. Worked for seven years at the Congregation for Bishops, in the Roman Curia, 1984 to 1991; at the same time, he was director of Villa Stritch and adjunct professor at the Pontifical North American College. On his return to Pittsburgh, he was named adjunct diocesan director for education and parish pastor; he was also member of the diocesan theological commission and of the presbyteral council.

Episcopate. Elected coadjutor bishop of Sioux City, August 19, 1997. Consecrated, October 7, 1997, church of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by Lawrence Donald Soens, bishop of Sioux City, assisted by Donald William Wuerl, bishop of Pittsburgh, and by Raymond Leo Burke, bishop of La Crosse. His episcopal motto is Ave Crux spes unica. Succeeded to the see of Sioux City, November 28, 1998. Named coadjutor of Galveston-Houston, January 16, 2004. Promoted to the rank of archbishop, when the see was elevated to metropolitan archdiocese, December 29, 2004. Succeeded to the metropolitan see of Galveston-Houston, February 28, 2006.

Birth. 1944, Embu, Kenya. Son of Joseph Nyanga Kibariki and Monica Ngina Nyaga. He was baptized in 1948, in the parish of Kevote.

Education. Studied at the Minor Seminary of Meru; and later, at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, 1967-1974, where he obtained a licentiate in philosophy; and at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, where he earned a licentiate in pastoral theology. He knows several languages.

Priesthood. Ordained, January 6, 1973, patriarchal Vatican basilica, by Pope Paul VI. Professor of philosophy at the National Seminary of Bungoma, diocese of Kakmega, 1975; later, its vice-rector; and finally, its rector. In 1982, he completed a course in spirituality in the United States of America. Rector of the Philosophical Seminary of Meru, in Nairobi.

Episcopate. Elected first bishop of Embu, June 9, 1986. Consecrated, September 20, 1986, by Cardinal Jozef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, assisted by Silas Silvius Njiru, bishop of Meru, and by Raphael S. Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki, bishop of Nakuru. His episcopal motto is In veritate testimonium caritate servitium. Attended the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, April 10 to May 8, 1994. President of the Episcopal Conference of Kenya, 1997-2003. Promoted to archbishop coadjutor of Nyeri, January 23, 2002. Transferred to the metropolitan see of Nairobi, October 6, 2007; he was installed on November 1, 2007.

Birth. September 27, 1927, Telkaif, archeparchy of Mosul of the Chaldeans (province of Nineveh - Mosul), Iraq. From a pious Christian family. His parents were Jarjis Murad Delly (or Deli) and Katrina Petrus Jadaan. He was baptized on the following October 6, at the church of Telkaif, by Father Francis Kattula, receiving the name Karim. This is his name in Syriac: ܡܪܝ ܥܡܢܘܐܝܠ ܬܠܝܬܝܐ ܕܠܝ; and in Arabic: مار عمانوئيل الثالث دلّي‎.

Education. Initial education, pre-school and kindergarten, with the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine; elementary education at the Elementary School of Telkaif; then he entered St. Peter Patriarchal Seminary in Mosul on September 21, 1940, where he completed his formation in philosophy and theology; then, he was sent to Rome on September 25, 1946 to study at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, where he earned a master's in philosophy in 1949 with the thesis "The Existence of God by Philosopher Al-Faraby"; and a doctorate in theology in 1954 with the thesis "Assemblies of Bishop Elia Bar Shenaya with the Minister of Morocco in 1926"; and at the Pontifical Lateran University, where he earned a doctorate in canon law in 1959. He spoke Chaldean Neo-Aramaic, Syriac, Arabic, French, Italian, Latin, and English fluently.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 21, 1952, at the chapel of the Pontifical Collegio Urbaniano de Propaganda Fide, Rome, by Cardinal Pietro Fumasoni Biondi, prefect of the S.C. for the Propagation of the Faith. He returned to Baghdad on January 30, 1960 and was appointed secretary to Patriarch Mar Paules Cheikho II; occupied the post for two years.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Palempoli di Asia and appointed auxiliary of Babylon of the Chaldeans, December 7, 1962. Confirmed by the pope, December 26, 1962. Consecrated, April 19, 1963, at St. Joseph Chaldean Church in Kharabanda, Baghdad, by Paul II Cheikho, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, assisted by Raphaël Bidawid, bishop of Amadiyah of the Chaldeans, by Armand-Étienne Marie Blanquet du Chayla, archbishop of Baghdad of the Latins, and by Athanase Jean Daniel Bakose, archbishop of Baghdad of the Syrians. He undertook the tasks of building churches and supervising the Patriarchal Seminary and religious orders. Promoted to titular archbishop of Kashkar of the Chaldeans, May 6, 1967. He visited the Chaldean communities in India, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Iran, Georgia and Turkey. On October 24, 2002, he resigned the office of auxiliary bishop of Babylon of the Chaldeans because of age limits. He was an outspoken critic of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq and fought to highlight the problems facing Iraq's minorities since the 2003 war began. Elected patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, December 3, 2003, by the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Church, celebrated at the Vatican; he took the name Emmanuel III (1). Pope John Paul II granted him the ecclesiastica communio, December 3, 2003. President by right of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Iraq (AECI). During his patriarchate, he represented the Catholic community in the contacts with the Iraqi Civil Authority. In August 2004, there were bloody attacks against churches in Baghdad and Mosul. Consultor of the Pontifical Commission for the Revision of the Oriental Canon Law; and of the Commission for the Relations with Islam, in the the Pontifical Secretariat for Non-Christians. As patriarch, he was member by right of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. Attended the Eleventh General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, October 2 to 23, 2005.

Birth. November 9, 1925, Alba, Italy.

Education. Studied at the Seminary of Alba (philosophy and theology); at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, where he earned a doctorate in modern letters; dissertation: The iconography of the Most Holy Trinity from the origins to the 14th century. He also frequented the school of art "Beato Angelico", Porta Venezia, Milan, founded by Monsignor Giuseppe Polvara.

Priesthood. Ordained, January 2, 1949, by one of the auxiliary bishops of Turin. Incardinated in the diocese of Alba. Celebrated his first mass at the parish of Ss. Cosma e Damiano, Alba. Sent to Milan for further studies. Diocesan delegate for the aspirants of the Catholic Action. In 1952, he was called to the Roman Curia to work in the Apostolic Chancery as a Latinist; in 1958, he passed to the Secretariat of State. From 1954, he was the director of the monthly retreat of the nuns of the Holy Family of Spoleto, in their house in Monte Gallo, Rome. Vice-chaplain of the Palatine Guard of Honor and responsible of the Conference of Saint Vincent of Paul. During the Second Vatican Council, he was an expert for the Latin language. In 1965, he was named honorary canon of the chapter of the patriarchal Vatican basilica. In 1970, he was named cappo ufficio and attuario of the meeting of the cardinal heads of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia. Named assessor of the Secretariat of State on November 19, 1975. When the Association of Saints Peter and Paul was instituted in the Vatican, the Secretariat of State named him its counselor. Chaplain of the Franciscan nuns of L'Atonement, in the church of Maria Immacolata al Monte Celio. Assistant of the celadore of the Apostolate of Prayer. Responsible of the Gruppo del Vangelo. He wrote several works on Saint Ambrose, the Gospels and the Fathers of the Church, as well as numerous articles in "L'Osservatore Romano", "Ecclesia", "Latinitas", "Studi Romani", "Aevum", "Cicero", and "Monitor Ecclesiasticus".

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Serta and appointed delegate for the pontifical representations in the Secretariat of State, December 1, 1979. Consecrated, patriarchal Vatican basilica, January 6, 1980, by Pope John Paul II, assisted by Eduardo Martínez Somalo, titular archbishop of Tagora, substitute of the Vatican Secretariat of State, and by Ferdinando Maggioni, titular bishop of Subaugusta, auxiliary of Milan. His episcopal motto was Sobria ebrietas spiritus. As delegate for the pontifical representations, he went around the world five times to visit all of them. Nuncio in Czechoslovakia, June 30, 1990. Nuncio in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia, January 1, 1993. Ceased in his functions of nuncio in Slovakia, March 2, 1994. Resigned the nunciature in the Czech Republic, May 19, 2001.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of November 24, 2007; received the red biretta and the deaconry of S. Lino, November 24, 2007. He was older than eighty years at the time of his promotion to the cardinalate and thus not eligible to participate in a conclave.

Birth. February 7, 1926, Oliva, diocese of Villa María, Argentina. His parents were of Croatia and migrated to Argentina after the First World War.

Education. He completed his secondary studies in Colegio Montserrat of Córdoba. As a young man, he was a member of the Argentine Catholic Action. After completing a year of law studies at the University of Córdoba, in 1947 he entered the city's seminary to become a priest. In 1948 he was sent to Rome to study philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a licentiate in theology. In 1965, he earned a doctorate in thelogy at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Priesthood. Ordained, December 8, 1954, in Rome, by Zenobio Guilland, archbishop of Paraná. Fron 1955 to 1963, he exercised his patoral ministry in Córdoba and was superior of the philosophy section of the Major Seminary of Córdoba; also, he was professor of theology in the same seminary. Further studies in Rome, 1963-1965. Returned to Argentina and exercised his pastoral ministry in the archdiocese of Córdoba and was again professor in its seminary, in the Theological Faculty of Buenos Aires, in the Catholic University of Córdoba and in several institutes of formation.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Castro and auxiliary of Córdoba, June 6, 1977. Consecrated, August 15, 1977, cathedral of Nuestra Señora, Córdoba, by Cardinal Raul Francisco Primatesta, archbishop of Córdoba, assisted by Alfredo Guillermo Disandro, titular bishop of Vico della Torre, auxiliary of Córdoba, and by Cándido Genaro Rubiolo, bishop of Villa María. His episcopal motto is Servire. For the Argentine Episcopal Conference, he was episcopal delegate for the third Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopate, in Puebla, México, 1979. Promoted to archbishop coadjutor and apostolic administrator of Paraná, January 19, 1983; assumed the post on March 20, 1983. He was delegate to the Synod of Bishops on "Reconciliation and Penance", in Vatican City, in 1983. Succeeded to the metropolitan see of Paraná, April 1, 1986. He was member of the commission for the redaction of the new Cathechism of the Catholic Church from 1986 until 1992. President of the Episcopal Conference of Argentina during two periods, 1996-1999 and 1999-2002. Attended the Special Assembly for America of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, November 16 to December 12, 1997. From 1999 to 2002, he belonged to the Episcopal Commission of Faith and Culture of the Episcopal Conference of Arentina. Attended the Tenth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30 to October 27, 2001; president of the Commission for the Message. Resigned the pastoral government of the see of Paraná, April 29, 2003; named apostolic administrator sede vacante, until the taking of possession of his successor, Archbishop Mario Luis Bautista Maulión, on the following July 8. He was professor of theology at the Catholic University of Santa Fe and at the Seminary of Paraná.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of November 24, 2007; received the red biretta and the title of Beata Maria Vergine Addolorata a piazza Buenos Aires, November 24, 2007. He was older than eighty years at the time of his promotion to the cardinalate and thus not eligible to participate in a conclave.

Birth. May 25, 1920, Camarena de la Sierra, diocese of Teruel y Albarracín, Spain. Of a family of farmers of a good economic position. Son of José Navarrete Esteban. He was the fourth of six siblings, of which five followed the religious vocation, three of them in the Society of Jesus, and two became nuns. At the beginning of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the part of the family that could leave the area of Teruel did so and gathered in Zaragoza.

Education. Entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on June 20, 1937, in Italy, where the novitiate of the Jesuit province of Aragón was located because of the civil war; two years later, he returned to Spain to continue his priestly formation; for four years, he studied humanities in the Center of the monastery of Veruela, in Zaragoza; he did the magisterio, three years of teaching, at that same Center; he then studied philosophy for three years at the Faculty of Sarriá, Barcelona, obtaining a doctorate; then, for four years, he studied theology at the Faculty of Oña, Burgos, earning a doctorate; and finally, he studied canon law for four years at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he also obtained a doctorate.

Priesthood. Ordained, May 31, 1952, Barcelona, during the International Eucharistic Congress, by Archbishop Federico Melendro Gutiérrez, S.J. of Anking. Professor of matrimonial law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in October 1958; dean of the Faculty of Canon Law, from 1965 until 1980; rector of the university, 1980 until 1986. He participated as an expert in the Second Vatican Council, 1962-1965. He actively participated in the revision of the Code of Canon Law. He was part of the working group for the revision of matrimonial law in the Code of the Latin Church and the one of the Oriental Churches; later, he was named member of the Pontifical Commission for the redaction of the Instruction Dignitas connubii on the matrimonial processes. He was granted an honorary doctorate by the Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain, in 1994; and another one by the Catholic University Péter Pázmány of Budapest, Hungary. Consultor of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature, and of the Pontifical Council of the Legislative Texts. In 2005, the municipality of Camarena de la Sierra dedicated a street to him, next to the house where he was born. He was a world renowned canonist and a prolific author who wrote nearly 150 titles, a selection of which, written in Latin or Italian, was collected in a volume of 1,200 pages, published on October 18, 2007, by Biblioteca de Autores Españoles, Madrid, under the title "Derecho Matrimonial Canónico. Evolución a la luz del Concilio Vaticano II".

Episcopate. He requested to be dispensed from the requirement of episcopal consecration and the dispensation was granted by Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of November 24, 2007; received the red biretta and the deaconry of S. Ponziano, November 24, 2007. He was older than eighty years at the time of his promotion to the cardinalate and thus not eligible to participate in a conclave. His cardinalitial motto was Dilexit Ecclesiam. He resided in the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.

Birth. March 7, 1922, Pieve San Stefano, diocese of Arezzo, Italy. Son of Giuseppe Betti, a workman, and Ermelinda Valenti.

Education. Entered the Order of the Friars Minor (Franciscans); began the novitiate in the province of San Francesco Stigmatizzato, Tuscany, on July 23, 1937; made his first profession on August 2, 1938; and the solemn profession on December 31, 1943; obtained a doctorate in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical "Antonianum" Athenaeum (now a university) in 1951; did two years of specialized studies at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, 1952-1954.

Priesthood. Ordained, April 6, 1946. Professor of dogmatic theology in the Franciscan Province in Tuscany (Siena and Fiesole), 1949-1963. At the Pontifical "Antonianum" Athenaeum, professor of theology, July 1954 to 1991; dean of the faculty of theology, 1966-1969; rector, 1975-1978; prfessor emeritus from 1991. Professor of ecclesiastical questions, Pontifical Lateran University in 1961. Consultor of the Theological Preparatory Commission for the Second Vatican Council, 1961; expert of the same during the council, 1963; theological advisor to Archbishop Ermenegildo Florit of Florence during the council; he collaborated in the writing of the conciliar dogmatic constitutions "Dei Verbum" and "Lumen Gentium". Professor of fundamental and dogmatic theology, Pontifical Antonian Athenaeum, Rome, July 1964 until September 27, 1991; dean of the Faculty of Theology from 1966 to 1969; and rector magnifico from 1975 to 1978. Qualificator of the Congregation of the Holy Office from 1964. Consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and state consultor. Rector magnifico of the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, 1991-1995. In 1995, Pope John Paul II awarded him the cross "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice". Academic ordinary of the Pontifical Roman Theological Academy; member of the Commission "Faith and Constitution" of the World Council of Churches; now academician emeritus of the Pontifical Roman Academy of Theology. Awarded the Fiorino d'oro, in the Salone de'Dugento, Florence, as personal theologian of Cardinal Ermenegildo Florit, archbishop of Florence. He resided in the provincial house of rest San Francesco, in the hill of Fiesole until his death. He wrote several important books including "Summa de sacramentis Totus homo" (1955); "La Costituzione dommatica Pastor aeternus" del Concilio Vaticano II (1961); "La dottrina sull' Episcopato del Concilio Vaticano II" (1984); and "La dottrina del Concilio Vaticano II sulla trasmissione della Rivelazione".

Episcopate. He requested to be dispensed from the requirement of episcopal ordination and the dispensation was granted by Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal deacon in the consistory of November 24, 2007; received the red biretta and the deaconry of Ss. Vito, Modesto e Crescenzia, November 24, 2007. His cardinalitial motto was Dilexi Ecclesiam. He was older than eighty years at the time of his promotion to the cardinalate and thus not eligible to participate in a conclave.

Death. Wednesday April 1, 2009, at the infirmary of the Franciscan province of Tuscany in the convent of San Francesco in Fiesole, near Florence, Italy. After learning the news of the death of the cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI prayed for the eternal repose of his soul and sent a telegram of condolence to the minister general of the Order of the Friars Minor, Father José Rodríguez Carballo, O.F.M. The funeral mass, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, was celebrated on April 3, at 4 p.m., in the cathedral of Fiesole. Burial followed at the cemetery of the order in the Franciscan Shrine of La Verna, on Saturday April 4, after the celebration of another requiem mass, at 11 a.m., presided by Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, O.F.M., prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy.

Birth. July 31, 1914, Radomyśl, Wielki, diocese of Tarnów, Poland. Son of Jan Jeż and Jadwiga Liszkowska. He was baptized on August 22, 1917, by Father Anthony Pasiut, pastor of the parish church of Radomyśl Wielki. His family moved to Katowice, where he grew up.

Education. Studied at Lyceum Adam Mieckiewicz, Katowice; at the Seminary of Katowice (philosophy); and at the Seminary of Kraków, (theology).

Priesthood. Ordained, June 20, 1937, Katowice. by Stanisław Adamski, bishop of Katowice. Chaplain in Hajduki Wielki. On August 17, 1942, the Gestapo arrested him; he was accused of organizing a funeral service for Józef Czempiel, the parish priest of Hajduki Wielki, who had been killed in the concentration camp of Dachau. On October 7, 1942, Father Jeż was also taken to the concentration camp of Dachau and spent more than two and a half years, until the liberation by the American forces on April 29, 1945. After his liberation, he served as priest for Polish prisoners and immigrants in the town of Göppingen, Germany, before returning to Poland in May 1946. From 1946 until 1960, he was rector of the Seminary St. Hyacinthus in Katowice.

Episcopate. Elected titular bishop of Alba marittima and appointed auxiliary of Gniezno, April 20, 1960. Consecrated, June 5, 1960, pro-cathedral of Gorzów, by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, archbishop of Gniezno and Warsaw, assisted by Bolesław Kominek, titular bishop of Vaga, and by Wilhelm Płuta, titular bishop of Leptis magna. His episcopal motto was Veni ignem mittere. He participated in the Second Vatican Council. Named auxiliary bishop of the apostolic administrator ad nutum Sanctæ Sedis for the northern part of the archdiocese of Breslau, September 16, 1967. Transferred to the newly erected see of Koszalin-Kołobrzeg, June 28, 1972; he established more than 100 parishes. The pope accepted his resignation from the pastoral government of the see, February 1, 1992. He worked tirelessly and successfully for the reconciliation of the Polish and German peoples after the Second World War. He was awarded the Polonia Mater Nostra Est medal in 1997. In 2002, he was named honorary canon of the cathedral chapter of Würzburg. In 2005, he was decorated with the grand cross of merit of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany; and in 2007, with the grand cross of the Order of the Rebirth of Poland (Polonia Restituta) of the Polish Republic. After his retirement, he gave retreats for Polish priests abroad and accompanied pilgrimages; he was in Rome leading a group of Polish faithful when he died. Apparently, the pope had told him that he intended to promote him to the cardinalate right before the bishop's death.

Cardinalate. He was going to be created cardinal in the consistory of November 24, 2007 but died the day before the announcement of the consistory was made; he was in Rome accompanying, with other bishops from Silesia, a group of Polish faithful from Katowice in a pilgrimage of thanksgiving for the 750th anniversary of the death of Saint Hyacinthe, patron of that ecclesiastical province.

Death. October 16, 2007, at 7 a.m., Rome, in an ambulance, while being taken to the Gemelli Polyclinic; in the general audience of the following day, at 10 a.m., the pope announced that he had planned to promote him to the cardinalate. His body was transferred to Poland. Thousands of people took part in the funeral Mass. After the funeral, the body was escorted through the streets of the city. Buried in the afternoon of October 23, 2007 in the crypt of the co-cathedral of Kołobrzeg. The current bishop of the diocese, Edward Dajczak, confirmed that quasi Cardinal Jeż already knew about his elevation to the cardinalate when he left Poland for Rome. Perhaps he also sensed his impending death because he asked the ordinary to bring him back to Poland in the case that he would die in Italy. Following his death, two roundabouts were named after him, one at the intersection of Sobieskiego and Banacha Streets in Słupsk and the other at the intersection of Młyńska and Szpitalna Streets in Kołobrzeg. Two memorial stones in his memory were erected in the Tadeusz Kościuszko Park of Koszalin and another in a square with his name in Piła. On January 30, 2009, the Polish Post issued a series of 400,000 stamps called “Survivors from Extermination”, one of them featuring the late cardinal's image. However, due to minor technical errors, on February 24 the entire series was withdrawn from the circulation. In 2015, a monument in his memory was erected in the cathedral of Koszalin.

Bibliography. Nitecki, Piotr. Biskupi Kościoła w Polsce w latach 965-1999. Słownik biograficzny. Przedmowa Henryk Gulbinowicz. Warszawa : Instytut Wydawniczy "Pax", Warszawa 2000, col. 183-184; Prokop, Krzysztof Rafał. Biskupi zachodniopomorscy (X - XX w.). Private printin. Koszalin : K.R. Prokop, 2003, p. 259-265.