Roman Catholic Cardinal. A somewhat controversial prelate, he worked for the modernization of his Church. Born in Ixelles, Belgium, he was raised, following his father's death, in the home of his uncle, a priest. Educated in Catholic schools, he entered the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy in 1920. Suenens received his Ph.D. in 1927, and was ordained a priest the same year; after obtaining a degree in canon law in 1929, he was a professor at the Minor Seminary of Mechelen for 10 years, then served as a chaplain in the Belgian Army during World War II. Barely escaping execution by the Nazis, he was consecrated Bishop in 1945, serving as Auxiliary Bishop, then Bishop, of Mechelen, before being created Cardinal in 1962. Pope John XXIII saw in him a kindred spirit, and made him a central figure in the Second Vatican Council, with Pope Paul VI maintaining him as a moderator. Cardinal Suenens was often a focus of contention; he favored an increased Church role for women and the laity, openly opposed the Papal encyclical on contraception, and was ecumenical in his outlook, seeking dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations. Said by some to be himself a Pentecostal (this either a compliment or an insult, depending on the speaker), he undoubtedly increased the acceptance of Catholic Charismatics and built bridges between them and Protestants of like faith. Cardinal Suenens retired as Archbishop of Mechelen upon reaching age 75, and died of circulatory problems.
Roman Catholic Cardinal. A somewhat controversial prelate, he worked for the modernization of his Church. Born in Ixelles, Belgium, he was raised, following his father's death, in the home of his uncle, a priest. Educated in Catholic schools, he entered the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy in 1920. Suenens received his Ph.D. in 1927, and was ordained a priest the same year; after obtaining a degree in canon law in 1929, he was a professor at the Minor Seminary of Mechelen for 10 years, then served as a chaplain in the Belgian Army during World War II. Barely escaping execution by the Nazis, he was consecrated Bishop in 1945, serving as Auxiliary Bishop, then Bishop, of Mechelen, before being created Cardinal in 1962. Pope John XXIII saw in him a kindred spirit, and made him a central figure in the Second Vatican Council, with Pope Paul VI maintaining him as a moderator. Cardinal Suenens was often a focus of contention; he favored an increased Church role for women and the laity, openly opposed the Papal encyclical on contraception, and was ecumenical in his outlook, seeking dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations. Said by some to be himself a Pentecostal (this either a compliment or an insult, depending on the speaker), he undoubtedly increased the acceptance of Catholic Charismatics and built bridges between them and Protestants of like faith. Cardinal Suenens retired as Archbishop of Mechelen upon reaching age 75, and died of circulatory problems.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
Inscription
LEO JOS. CARD.
SUENENS
I ARCHIEP. MECHL.- BRUX.
1961 - 1980
+ 6 MAII 1996
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