Jozef De Kesel
Stored: Jozef De Kesel
| His Eminence Jozef De Kesel | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels (Emeritus) | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Ghent |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Bruges |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 26 August 1972 by Bishop Léonce-Albert Van Peteghem |
| Consecration: | 26 May 2002 by Cardinal Godfried Danneels |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 19 November 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Jozef De Kesel 17 June 1947 Aalter, East Flanders, Belgium |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Belgian |
| Education: | Catholic University of Leuven, Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Vobiscum Christianus" (With You, I Am a Christian) |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Jozef De Kesel, born June 17, 1947, is a Belgian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his tenure as Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels from 2015 to 2023 and as Primate of Belgium. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016, De Kesel is a prominent progressive voice, advocating for greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics, dialogue with secular society, and Church reforms, including reconsidering mandatory priestly celibacy and promoting synodality. His leadership navigated Belgium’s declining Catholic population and secular challenges, emphasizing pastoral sensitivity over doctrinal rigidity, though his handling of clerical abuse cases drew mixed responses. At 77, De Kesel is one of two Belgian cardinal-electors in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, where his progressive outlook and alignment with Francis’ vision position him as an influential figure, though his age and regional focus limit his papabile prospects.[1][2][3][4]
Ordained a priest in 1972, De Kesel served as Bishop of Bruges (2010–2015) and Auxiliary Bishop of Mechelen-Brussels (2002–2010) before leading Belgium’s largest archdiocese. His tenure addressed secularization, interreligious dialogue, and abuse scandals, notably apologizing for the Church’s past failures while implementing prevention measures. Retiring in 2023 due to age, he remains active, participating in the 2025 conclave alongside Cardinal Dominique Mathieu, with recent statements urging a pope who fosters openness and reform. His pastoral approach, shaped by his mentor Cardinal Godfried Danneels, continues to influence discussions on the Church’s future in a post-Christian Europe.[1][5][6][4]
Biography
Birth and early life
Jozef De Kesel was born on June 17, 1947, in Aalter, East Flanders, Belgium, to a devout Catholic family. Growing up in a rural, post-World War II Flanders, his faith was shaped by the region’s strong Catholic traditions and the influence of his uncle, a priest. His early life was marked by Belgium’s linguistic and cultural divides, fostering his later commitment to dialogue and unity within the Church.[1][2][5]
Educated at the Sint-Vincentius College in Eeklo, De Kesel excelled academically and discerned a priestly vocation in his teens. His decision to enter the seminary was influenced by the Second Vatican Council’s reforms, which emphasized pastoral engagement and openness to the modern world, themes that defined his later ministry.[1][7]
Education
De Kesel studied philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary of Ghent (1965–1968), followed by advanced studies at the Catholic University of Leuven, earning a licentiate in theology. He pursued a doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1968–1977), focusing on Christology and ecclesiology under Walter Kasper, which shaped his progressive theology.[1][2][7]
His Roman education included pastoral work in Italian parishes, grounding his academic training in practical ministry. Fluent in Dutch, French, Italian, and English, De Kesel’s studies prepared him for leadership in Belgium’s bilingual Church and engagement with global Catholicism.[2][5]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on August 26, 1972, by Bishop Léonce-Albert Van Peteghem for the Diocese of Ghent, De Kesel served as a parish priest and professor of theology at the Major Seminary of Ghent (1974–1996). He also taught at the Catholic University of Leuven and was rector of the Grootseminarie in Ghent (1996–2002), mentoring seminarians.[1][2]
His priesthood focused on education and pastoral care, addressing Belgium’s growing secularization. As vicar general of Ghent (1998–2002), he navigated tensions between traditional and progressive factions, earning a reputation for diplomacy. His appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Mechelen-Brussels in 2002 marked his rise in the Belgian Church.[1][7]
Bishop
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Mechelen-Brussels and Titular Bishop of Bulna on March 20, 2002, by Pope John Paul II, De Kesel was consecrated on May 26, 2002, by Cardinal Godfried Danneels. He became Bishop of Bruges in 2010 and Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels in 2015, succeeding André-Joseph Léonard. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on November 19, 2016, he received the titular church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo.[1][7]
As Archbishop, De Kesel promoted inclusivity, notably calling for respect for LGBTQ+ Catholics in 2018, and addressed abuse scandals with apologies and reforms.[4] He retired in 2023, succeeded by Luc Terlinden. In 2025, he participates in the May 7 conclave, advocating for a reformist pope, though his influence is tempered by his retirement and age.[5][6][3][4]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels | Auxiliary Bishop | 20 March 2002 | 25 June 2010 | Titular Bishop of Bulna |
| Diocese of Bruges | Bishop | 25 June 2010 | 6 November 2015 | Addressed abuse scandals |
| Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels | Archbishop | 6 November 2015 | 22 June 2023 | Elevated to cardinal in 2016, promoted inclusivity |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Ghent in 1972.[2]
- Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Mechelen-Brussels in 2002.[1]
- Named Bishop of Bruges in 2010.[7]
- Appointed Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels in 2015.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016.[1]
- Called for respect for LGBTQ+ Catholics in 2018.[4]
- Apologized for Church’s handling of abuse scandals, 2019.[5]
- Retired as Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels in 2023.[5]
- Advocated for Church reform, including optional celibacy, 2024.[6]
- Participated in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7.[3][4]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal De Kesel were identified in the provided sources. General references include:
* Books on Belgian Church History (potential sources for contextual information).
Written by the bishop
- God, een idee? by Jozef De Kesel (2017, ISBN 978-9401445498)
- Geloof en religie in een postseculiere tijd by Jozef De Kesel (2020, ISBN 978-9401465830)
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 "Jozef De Kesel". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jozef_De_Kesel.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Jozef De Kesel". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_de-kesel_j.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Cardinals hold sixth general congregation". Catholic News Agency. 2025-04-29. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260241/cardinals-hold-sixth-general-congregation-confirm-2-electors-will-not-be-at-conclave.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 "Belgian Cardinal De Kesel retires". La Croix International. 2023-06-23. https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/belgian-cardinal-de-kesel-retires/18807.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Cardinal De Kesel calls for Church reform". The Tablet. 2024-10-15. https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/16523/cardinal-de-kesel-calls-for-church-reform.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Jozef De Kesel". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bdekesel.html.