A prominent Catholic Church leader, known for his conservative stance and influential role in shaping the Church's policies and doctrine during the 20th century.
John Krol was a revered American prelate of the Catholic Church, best known for his tenure as Archbishop of Philadelphia from 1961 to 1988. During his 27-year tenure, he played a significant role in shaping the Catholic Church's stance on various social and political issues, earning him recognition as a leading figure in the American Catholic Church.
John Joseph Krol was born on October 26, 1910, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Polish immigrant parents. His early life was marked by a strong sense of industriousness, with his father working multiple jobs and his mother employed as a maid. Krol's family briefly returned to Poland when he was two years old, but soon returned to Cleveland.
Krol received his early education at the parochial school of St. Hyacinth Church and later attended Cathedral Latin High School, graduating at the age of 16 in 1927. He then worked as a butcher at a Kroger grocery store in Cleveland, eventually becoming the manager of the meat department at just 18 years old.
Krol's journey to priesthood began when he started studying Catholic theology in response to questions from a Lutheran coworker. He enrolled at St. Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Michigan, and later at St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland. During his seminary days, he operated a small tobacco business, selling defective cigars to his fellow seminarians.
On February 20, 1937, Krol was ordained a priest by Bishop Joseph Schrembs at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. His first assignment was as a curate at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Cleveland, where he remained for a year. In 1938, he was sent to continue his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, earning a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1940.
In 1953, Krol was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, a position he held until 1961. That year, he was consecrated as Archbishop of Philadelphia, a role he held for 27 years until his retirement in 1988. In 1967, Pope Paul VI elevated him to the cardinalate.
Throughout his tenure as Archbishop, Krol played a significant role in shaping the Catholic Church's stance on social and political issues. He was a vocal advocate for social justice, civil rights, and ecumenism, and worked closely with other religious leaders to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.
John Krol's legacy is marked by his tireless commitment to the Catholic Church and his dedication to promoting social justice and understanding. During his lifetime, hereceived numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988.
Today, Krol is remembered as a champion of the Catholic faith, a devoted servant of the Church, and a passionate advocate for the welfare of all people. His life and work continue to inspire generations of Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Born in 1920
Leader of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, known for helping to end communism in Poland and being a charismatic advocate for human rights and social justice.
99 Years Old
The first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, he's known for his conservative views and efforts to strengthen the Catholic Church's traditional teachings. He's also a prolific writer and theologian.
