Paul Poupard: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "{{Bishop |honorific_prefix=His Eminence |name=Tarcisio Bertone |diocese=College of Cardinals |home_diocese=Diocese of Vercelli |other_diocese1=Archdiocese of Genoa |other_diocese2=Velletri-Segni |other_diocese3= |ordination=1 July 1960 |ordained_by=Archbishop Albino Mensa |consecration=1 August 1992 |consecrated_by=Archbishop Albino Mensa |rank=Cardinal |cardinal=21 October 2003 |created_cardinal_by=Pope John Paul II |birth_name=Tarcisio Pietro Evasio Bertone |birth_date...")
 
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{{Bishop
{{Bishop
|honorific_prefix=His Eminence
|honorific_prefix=His Eminence
|name=Tarcisio Bertone
|name=Paul Poupard
|diocese=College of Cardinals
|diocese=College of Cardinals
|home_diocese=Diocese of Vercelli
|home_diocese=Diocese of Angers
|other_diocese1=Archdiocese of Genoa
|other_diocese1=Titular See of Usula
|other_diocese2=Velletri-Segni
|other_diocese2=
|other_diocese3=
|other_diocese3=
|ordination=1 July 1960
|ordination=18 December 1954
|ordained_by=Archbishop Albino Mensa
|ordained_by=Archbishop Stanislas Courbe
|consecration=1 August 1992
|consecration=6 April 1979
|consecrated_by=Archbishop Albino Mensa
|consecrated_by=Pope John Paul II
|rank=Cardinal
|rank=Cardinal
|cardinal=21 October 2003
|cardinal=25 May 1985
|created_cardinal_by=Pope John Paul II
|created_cardinal_by=Pope John Paul II
|birth_name=Tarcisio Pietro Evasio Bertone
|birth_name=Paul Joseph Jean Poupard
|birth_date=2 December 1934
|birth_date=30 August 1930
|birth_place=Romano Canavese, Italy
|birth_place=Bouziès, France
|death_date=
|death_date=
|death_place=
|death_place=
|nationality=Italy
|nationality=France
|education=Pontifical Salesian University
|education=Sorbonne University
|motto="Fari lumen"
|motto="In veritate et caritate"
|role=Emeritus
|role=Emeritus
|theology=Conservative
|theology=Moderate
|region=Western Europe
|region=Western Europe
|rite=Roman Rite
|rite=Roman Rite
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}}
}}


Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, born {{Birth date and age|1934|12|2}}, is an Italian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his influential tenure as Secretary of State under Pope Benedict XVI (2006–2013). Ordained a priest in 1960 for the Diocese of Vercelli and consecrated a bishop in 1992, he was elevated to cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. A Salesian priest, Bertone served as Archbishop of Genoa (2002–2006) before becoming the Vatican’s second-highest official, managing diplomatic and administrative affairs during a turbulent period marked by the Vatileaks scandal. His conservative theology and loyalty to Benedict XVI shaped his curial leadership, though controversies, including allegations of mismanagement, have shadowed his legacy. Retired since 2013, Bertone’s age (90 in 2025) renders him ineligible to vote in the 2025 papal conclave following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025.
Cardinal Paul Poupard, born {{Birth date and age|1930|8|30}}, is a French prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, renowned for his intellectual contributions as President of the Pontifical Council for Culture (1988–2007) and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (2006–2007). Ordained a priest in 1954 for the Diocese of Angers and consecrated a bishop in 1979, he was elevated to cardinal in 1985 by Pope John Paul II. Known for his moderate theology and expertise in Church history, reflected in his motto "In veritate et caritate" ("In truth and charity"), Poupard advanced Catholic engagement with modern culture, atheism, and non-Christian religions, particularly during the John Paul II era. Retired since 2007, his age (94 in 2025) renders him ineligible to vote in the 2025 papal conclave following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, limiting his role to symbolic significance.


Bertone’s career blends pastoral service, academic work as a canon law professor, and high-level Vatican roles, including Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (1995–2002) under then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. His motto, "Fari lumen" ("To bear light"), reflects his commitment to Church teaching, though his tenure as Secretary of State faced criticism for centralized control and strained relations with the Roman Curia. Once a potential papal candidate, Bertone’s retirement and the Vatileaks fallout diminished his influence. As an emeritus cardinal, he remains a respected figure for his contributions to canon law and Salesian spirituality, with limited symbolic role in the post-Francis Church.
Poupard’s career blends academic scholarship, with a doctorate from the Sorbonne, and curial leadership, including roles as rector of the Institut Catholique de Paris and head of the Secretariat for Non-Believers (1980–1988). His efforts to dialogue with secular and religious communities earned praise, though his traditionalist leanings on moral issues sparked debate among progressives. Never a prominent papal contender due to his curial focus, Poupard’s legacy lies in his writings on faith and culture and his role in shaping Vatican cultural policy. As an emeritus cardinal, his influence in the post-Francis Church is minimal, centered on his historical contributions and enduring respect in French Catholicism.


==Biography==
==Biography==
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===Birth and early life===
===Birth and early life===


Tarcisio Bertone was born on December 2, 1934, in Romano Canavese, a small town in Piedmont, Italy, to a devout Catholic family. The fifth of eight children, he grew up in a rural setting, where his early exposure to Salesian priests sparked his vocation. At age 16, he entered the Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco, drawn to its emphasis on education and youth ministry.
Paul Poupard was born on August 30, 1930, in Bouziès, a small village in Lot, France, to a devout Catholic family of farmers. The youngest of three children, he grew up in a rural setting where the Church was a pillar of community life. His early exposure to French Catholic traditions and the post-World War II intellectual ferment sparked a vocation, leading him to enter the minor seminary in Cahors at age 12.


Italy’s post-World War II recovery shaped Bertone’s formative years, with the Church playing a central role in community life. His family’s faith and his academic aptitude led him to pursue priestly formation, balancing Salesian spirituality with intellectual rigor. Bertone’s early commitment to the Church was evident in his leadership in youth programs, foreshadowing his later pastoral and administrative roles. <ref name="CatholicHierarchy">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbertone.html |title=Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-24}}</ref>
France’s post-war recovery and the Church’s response to secularism shaped Poupard’s commitment to cultural engagement. His intellectual gifts and fluency in French, English, and Italian were evident early, as he excelled in classical studies and parish catechesis. These experiences grounded his later work in bridging faith and modern thought. <ref name="CatholicHierarchy">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bpoupard.html |title=Paul Cardinal Poupard |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-25}}</ref>


===Education===
===Education===


Bertone studied philosophy and theology at the Salesian Theological College in Turin, earning a licentiate in theology. He later pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, obtaining a doctorate in canon law with a dissertation on ecclesiastical governance. His academic work focused on the relationship between Church and state, a theme that would influence his curial career.
Poupard studied philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary of Angers, earning a licentiate in theology. He pursued advanced studies in Paris, obtaining a doctorate in theology and a doctorate in history from the Sorbonne University, focusing on the Church’s response to the Enlightenment. His research emphasized Catholic intellectual traditions in a secularizing world.


Ordained a priest in 1960, Bertone continued his education with postgraduate studies in Rome, specializing in moral theology and canon law. His Salesian formation emphasized pastoral care and education, equipping him to teach and administer within the Church. This rigorous academic background prepared him for his later roles in Vatican congregations and diplomacy. <ref name="VaticanPress">{{cite web |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_bertone.html |title=Biography of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone |publisher=Vatican Press Office |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-24}}</ref>
He also trained at the École Nationale des Chartes, honing his archival skills, and studied at the Institut Catholique de Paris. Poupard’s academic rigor and multilingual proficiency prepared him for curial roles, equipping him to address the challenges of faith in modern culture. <ref name="VaticanPress">{{cite web |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_poupard.html |title=Biography of Cardinal Paul Poupard |publisher=Vatican Press Office |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-25}}</ref>


===Priesthood===
===Priesthood===


Ordained a priest on July 1, 1960, by Archbishop Albino Mensa for the Diocese of Vercelli, Bertone served in Salesian parishes and schools, focusing on youth ministry and catechesis. In the 1970s, he became a professor of moral theology and canon law at the Pontifical Salesian University, later serving as rector magnificus (1989–1991). His scholarly work earned him recognition as a leading canonist.
Ordained a priest on December 18, 1954, by Archbishop Stanislas Courbe for the Diocese of Angers, Poupard served as a parish priest and professor of Church history at the Angers seminary. In 1960, he joined the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, working under Cardinal Agostino Casaroli on cultural and ecumenical affairs. He was rector of the Institut Catholique de Paris from 1972 to 1979, promoting Catholic intellectual life.


Bertone’s pastoral and academic roles included advising Italian bishops on legal matters and contributing to Church-state negotiations. His appointment as a consultor to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1984 marked his entry into Vatican service, where he worked closely with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. This period honed his administrative skills, paving the way for his episcopal rise. <ref name="CatholicHierarchy" />
His priesthood combined pastoral ministry with scholarly work, including publications on Church history and secularism. Poupard’s roles in Vatican diplomacy and academia positioned him as a leading voice on faith and culture, earning him recognition as a bridge between the Church and modern society. <ref name="CatholicHierarchy" />


===Bishop===
===Bishop===


Consecrated Archbishop of Vercelli on August 1, 1992, by Archbishop Albino Mensa, Bertone served until 1995, revitalizing the diocese through youth programs and pastoral outreach. He was Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (1995–2002), assisting Cardinal Ratzinger in addressing theological controversies. Appointed Archbishop of Genoa in 2002 and cardinal in 2003, Bertone became Secretary of State in 2006, serving as Pope Benedict XVI’s chief collaborator until 2013.
Consecrated titular Bishop of Usula on April 6, 1979, by Pope John Paul II, Poupard served as pro-president of the Secretariat for Non-Believers (1980–1988), engaging with atheism and secular ideologies. Appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Culture in 1988 and elevated to cardinal in 1985, he led efforts to integrate faith with modern culture, organizing global symposia. He also headed the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue from 2006 to 2007, fostering ties with non-Christian faiths.


As Secretary of State, Bertone managed Vatican diplomacy and administration but faced criticism for centralizing power and mishandling the Vatileaks scandal, which exposed curial dysfunction. His conservative stance, particularly on moral issues, aligned with Benedict XVI’s vision, though it strained relations with some curial factions. Retired since 2013, Bertone’s influence persists through his canon law contributions, but his age renders him ineligible for the 2025 conclave. <ref name="VaticanNews">{{cite web |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2013-10/cardinal-bertone-retires-secretary-state.html |title=Cardinal Bertone retires as Secretary of State |publisher=Vatican News |date=2013-10-15 |access-date=2025-04-24}}</ref>
Poupard’s curial leadership earned praise for intellectual depth but criticism from progressives for his traditionalist views on issues like bioethics. Retired since 2007, his influence persists through his writings, but his age (94 in 2025) makes him ineligible for the 2025 conclave, limiting his role to historical significance. <ref name="VaticanNews">{{cite web |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-08/cardinal-poupard-90-birthday.html |title=Cardinal Poupard celebrates 90th birthday |publisher=Vatican News |date=2020-08-30 |access-date=2025-04-25}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! Notes
! Notes
|-
|-
| Archdiocese of Vercelli
| Titular See of Usula
| Archbishop
| Titular Bishop
| 1 August 1992
| 6 April 1979
| 13 June 1995
| 25 May 1985
| Revitalized diocesan youth programs
| Pro-president of Secretariat for Non-Believers
|-
|-
| Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
| Pontifical Council for Culture
| Secretary
| President
| 13 June 1995
| 19 April 1988
| 10 December 2002
| 3 September 2007
| Assisted Cardinal Ratzinger
| Advanced Catholic engagement with modern culture
|-
|-
| Archdiocese of Genoa
| Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
| Archbishop
| President
| 10 December 2002
| 11 March 2006
| 15 September 2006
| 3 September 2007
| Promoted pastoral outreach
| Fostered non-Christian dialogue
|-
| Secretariat of State
| Secretary
| 15 September 2006
| 15 October 2013
| Managed Vatican diplomacy; faced Vatileaks scrutiny
|-
| Velletri-Segni
| Cardinal-Bishop
| 10 May 2008
| Present
| Elevated to cardinal-bishop
|}
|}


==Significant events==
==Significant events==


* Entered the Salesian Society in 1950.
* Entered the minor seminary in Cahors in 1942.
* Ordained priest for the Diocese of Vercelli in 1960.
* Ordained priest for the Diocese of Angers in 1954.
* Consecrated Archbishop of Vercelli in 1992.
* Consecrated titular Bishop of Usula in 1979.
* Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
* Appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Culture in 1988.
* Appointed Secretary of State by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
* Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1985.
* Retired from active curial duties in 2013.
* Retired from curial duties in 2007.


==Books==
==Books==
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===Written about the bishop===
===Written about the bishop===


* [https://www.amazon.com/Vatican-Diaries-Church-Turbulent-Times/dp/0143124536 The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church] by John Thavis, ISBN 978-0143124535 (discusses Bertone’s role in Vatileaks)
* No known books specifically about Cardinal Poupard.


===Written by the bishop===
===Written by the bishop===


* [https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Truth-Tarcisio-Bertone/dp/887839128X The Ethics of Truth] by Tarcisio Bertone, ISBN 978-8878391284
* [https://www.amazon.com/Church-Culture-Paul-Poupard/dp/0814650430 The Church and Culture: Challenge and Confrontation] by Paul Poupard, ISBN 978-0814650431
* [https://www.amazon.com/Last-Pope-Benedict-XVI-Vatican/dp/162164006X The Last Pope: Benedict XVI in the Vatican] by Tarcisio Bertone, ISBN 978-1621640066
* [https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Secular-World-Paul-Poupard/dp/8878391231 Faith in a Secular World] by Paul Poupard, ISBN 978-8878391239


==External links==
==External links==


* [https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbertone.html Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone] at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
* [https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bpoupard.html Paul Cardinal Poupard] at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
* [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_bertone.html Biography of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone] at Vatican Press Office
* [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_poupard.html Biography of Cardinal Paul Poupard] at Vatican Press Office
* [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2013-10/cardinal-bertone-retires-secretary-state.html Vatican News article on Bertone’s retirement]
* [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-08/cardinal-poupard-90-birthday.html Vatican News article on Poupard’s 90th birthday]


==References==
==References==


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