Michael Czerny
Stored: Michael Czerny
| His Eminence Michael Czerny | |
| Bishop of | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Prague |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 9 June 1973 by Archbishop Paul Grégoire |
| Consecration: | 14 December 2019 by Pope Francis |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 5 October 2019 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Michael F. Czerny July 18, 1946 Brno, Moravia, Czechoslovakia |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Canadian |
| Education: | Loyola University Chicago |
| Motto: | Suscipe Domine |
| Role: | Curial |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | North America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Michael Czerny, born July 18, 1946, is a Canadian Catholic cardinal and Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development since 2022. A Jesuit, he was Undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the same dicastery from 2016 to 2022, advocating for migrants, refugees, and human rights. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, he has championed social justice, environmental stewardship, and synodality within the Roman Rite, aligning with Francis’ vision of a more inclusive Church.[1][2][3]
Born in Brno, Czechoslovakia, Czerny immigrated to Canada in 1948 and joined the Jesuits in 1963. Following Pope Francis’ death in April 2025, he resigned as Prefect and participated in the 2025 papal conclave, where he was noted as a “kingmaker” for his progressive advocacy, though some observers expressed concerns about conservative shifts in the conclave’s direction. His work on migration and climate issues has drawn praise, but his progressive stances have sparked debate among traditionalists.[4][5][6]
Biography
Birth and early life
Michael Czerny was born on July 18, 1946 in Brno, Moravia, Czechoslovakia, to a Czech Catholic family.[1] His family fled Soviet occupation in 1948, settling in Montreal, Canada, where he grew up. Influenced by the Saint Ignatius of Loyola, whose Jesuit spirituality shaped his vocation, Czerny developed an early commitment to social justice.[2][7]
His experience as a refugee informed his lifelong advocacy for migrants. Joining the Jesuits in 1963, he embraced their mission of service, which later defined his curial roles.[4][8]
Education
Czerny earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and humanities from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, in 1968, and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Chicago in 1972.[1] He obtained a licentiate in sacred theology from Regis College, Toronto, in 1973, and a doctorate in human sciences from Loyola University Chicago in 1978, focusing on social justice and liberation theology.[2][7]
His education emphasized Jesuit intellectual rigor and social engagement, preparing him for roles in human rights and migration advocacy. His studies in Chicago and Toronto exposed him to global issues, shaping his progressive theology.[8]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on 9 June 1973 by Archbishop Paul Grégoire for the Archdiocese of Prague, Czerny served in various Jesuit ministries, including founding the Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice in Toronto (1979–1989).[1][9] He worked in El Salvador (1990–1991) during its civil war, supporting human rights, and served as Secretary for Social Justice at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome (1992–2002).[7]
His priesthood focused on social justice, migration, and environmental issues. From 2009 to 2016, he advised Cardinal Peter Turkson at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, laying the groundwork for his Vatican roles.[8][4]
Bishop
Appointed titular Archbishop of Sutri and Undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on 14 December 2019 by Pope Francis, Czerny was consecrated on 14 December 2019 by Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica.[1][9] Elevated to cardinal on 5 October 2019, he received the deaconry of San Michele Arcangelo.[1] Named Prefect of the Dicastery on 23 April 2022, he served until resigning in April 2025 following Pope Francis’ death.[3][10]
As Prefect, Czerny advanced Francis’ encyclicals on climate (Laudato Si’) and fraternity (Fratelli Tutti), promoting integral human development. In 2025, he participated in the papal conclave, noted as a progressive “kingmaker” alongside Cardinals Hollerich and Radcliffe, though some expressed concerns about conservative shifts in the conclave’s direction.[5][6][4] His advocacy for migrants and synodality earned praise, but his progressive views drew criticism from traditionalists.[4]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sutri | Titular Archbishop | 14 December 2019 | Present | Appointed by Pope Francis; elevated to cardinal in 2019 |
Significant events
- Immigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia in 1948.[1]
- Joined the Jesuits in 1963.[2]
- Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Prague by Archbishop Paul Grégoire on 9 June 1973.[1]
- Founded the Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice in Toronto in 1979, serving until 1989.[7]
- Worked in El Salvador during its civil war from 1990 to 1991, supporting human rights.[7]
- Served as Secretary for Social Justice at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome from 1992 to 2002.[7]
- Advised Cardinal Peter Turkson at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace from 2009 to 2016.[8]
- Appointed Undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on 14 December 2016.[1]
- Created cardinal by Pope Francis on 5 October 2019, with the deaconry of San Michele Arcangelo.[1]
- Appointed titular Archbishop of Sutri on 14 December 2019, consecrated by Pope Francis.[1]
- Named Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on 23 April 2022.[3]
- Resigned as Prefect in April 2025 following Pope Francis’ death.[10]
- Participated in the 2025 papal conclave, noted as a progressive “kingmaker.”[5][6]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books or articles specifically dedicated to Cardinal Michael Czerny have been identified as of May 2025.
Written by the bishop
External links
- Michael Cardinal Czerny, S.J., Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- CZERNY Card. Michael F., S.J., Vatican Press Office
- Cardinal Czerny appointed Prefect of Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Vatican News
- This papal front-runner from a small island has a big role in the global church, National Catholic Reporter
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 "Michael Czerny". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Czerny.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "CZERNY Card. Michael F., S.J.". https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_czerny.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Cardinal Czerny appointed Prefect of Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development". 2022-04-23. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2022-04/cardinal-czerny-appointed-prefect-dicastery-integral-human-development.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "This papal front-runner from a small island has a big role in the global church". 2025-05-02. https://www.ncronline.org/news/this-papal-front-runner-small-island-has-big-role-global-church.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Lobbying for next pope heats up, with outcome less predictable than ever". 2025-04-27. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/lobbying-for-next-pope-heats-up-with-outcome-less-predictable-than-ever.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Cardinals hope for speedy conclave to pick new pope, under Michelangelo’s gaze". 2025-05-02. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/cardinals-hope-speedy-conclave-pick-new-pope-under-michelangelos-gaze-2025-05-02/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 "Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J.". 2024-11-23. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/michael-czerny.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "Pope Francis names Michael Czerny cardinal, underscoring migration focus". 2019-09-01. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-09/pope-francis-names-michael-czerny-cardinal-migration-focus.html.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Michael Cardinal Czerny, S.J.". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bczerny.html.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Cardinal Czerny resigns as Prefect following Pope Francis’ death". 2025-04-21. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260678/cardinal-czerny-resigns-as-prefect-following-pope-francis-death.