Dec. 09 (CWNews.com) - Cardinal Leo Scheffzyk, a noted German theologian, died on December 8 in Munich at the age of 85.
Born in Poland, Leo Scheffczyk was ordained a priest in 1947. He eventually transferred to the Archdiocese of Munich, where he worked as a theologian and consultant to the Pontifical Council for the Family. In 2001, Pope John Paul II (bio - news) honored his work by naming him to the College of Cardinals. He received his red hat at the consistory of February 2001, but by a special dispensation he was never ordained a bishop.
In a telegram to Cardinal Friedrich Wetter of Munich, Pope Benedict praised the deceased cardinal for his "indefatiguable zeal," and said that he was a "shining example for his students and many other believers." The Pope said that it was fitting that Cardinal Scheffzyk died on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, noting his devotion to the Virgin, and prayed that Mary would accompany him quickly to the "the house of the Father."
With the death of Cardinal Scheffzyk, there are now 179 members of the College of Cardinals, of whom 111 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote in a papal election.
Born in Poland, Leo Scheffczyk was ordained a priest in 1947. He eventually transferred to the Archdiocese of Munich, where he worked as a theologian and consultant to the Pontifical Council for the Family. In 2001, Pope John Paul II (bio - news) honored his work by naming him to the College of Cardinals. He received his red hat at the consistory of February 2001, but by a special dispensation he was never ordained a bishop.
In a telegram to Cardinal Friedrich Wetter of Munich, Pope Benedict praised the deceased cardinal for his "indefatiguable zeal," and said that he was a "shining example for his students and many other believers." The Pope said that it was fitting that Cardinal Scheffzyk died on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, noting his devotion to the Virgin, and prayed that Mary would accompany him quickly to the "the house of the Father."
With the death of Cardinal Scheffzyk, there are now 179 members of the College of Cardinals, of whom 111 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote in a papal election.
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