Cardinal Tauran dies at 75

Jul 13, 2018

By Elise Harris
After a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, a seasoned Vatican diplomat who announced Pope Francis’ election to the world in 2013, died on July 5 at a hospital in the United States.

According to Italian newspaper Vatican Insider, Tauran, who until his death served as president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, had travelled to Connecticut for treatment, staying with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Despite a progressive decline in his health, Tauran made a lengthy and historic visit to Saudi Arabia in April to advance the Holy See’s relationship with Saudi authorities and to reinforce dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

Born in Bordeaux, France in 1953, Tauran turned 75 April 3 and has a long track record of diplomatic service in the Vatican.

Ordained a priest in September 1969, the late cardinal held licentiate degrees in philosophy and theology and he also held a degree in canon law.--CNA