Paul Poupard
Stored: Paul Poupard
| His Eminence Paul Poupard | |
| Bishop of College of Cardinals | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Angers |
| Other diocese 1: | Titular See of Usula |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 18 December 1954 by Archbishop Stanislas Courbe |
| Consecration: | 6 April 1979 by Pope John Paul II |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 25 May 1985 by Pope John Paul II |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Paul Joseph Jean Poupard 30 August 1930 Bouziès, France |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | France |
| Education: | Sorbonne University |
| Motto: | "In veritate et caritate" |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Ineligible |
Cardinal Paul Poupard, born August 30, 1930, 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.
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
Birth and early life
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.
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. [1]
Education
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.
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. [2]
Priesthood
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.
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. [1]
Bishop
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.
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. [3]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titular See of Usula | Titular Bishop | 6 April 1979 | 25 May 1985 | Pro-president of Secretariat for Non-Believers |
| Pontifical Council for Culture | President | 19 April 1988 | 3 September 2007 | Advanced Catholic engagement with modern culture |
| Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue | President | 11 March 2006 | 3 September 2007 | Fostered non-Christian dialogue |
Significant events
- Entered the minor seminary in Cahors in 1942.
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Angers in 1954.
- Consecrated titular Bishop of Usula in 1979.
- Appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Culture in 1988.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1985.
- Retired from curial duties in 2007.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Poupard.
Written by the bishop
- The Church and Culture: Challenge and Confrontation by Paul Poupard, ISBN 978-0814650431
- Faith in a Secular World by Paul Poupard, ISBN 978-8878391239
External links
- Paul Cardinal Poupard at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Paul Poupard at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Poupard’s 90th birthday
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Paul Cardinal Poupard". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bpoupard.html.
- ↑ "Biography of Cardinal Paul Poupard". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_poupard.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Poupard celebrates 90th birthday". Vatican News. 2020-08-30. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-08/cardinal-poupard-90-birthday.html.