Polish Cardinal Gulbinowicz dies at age of 97

By Vatican News

The Polish Bishops' Conference announced the death of 97-year-old Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz, Archbishop emeritus of Wrocław, via a tweet on Monday morning.

Hneryk Roman Gulbinowicz was born on 17 October 1923 in Sukikes, in the Archdiocese of Vilnius, and received priestly ordination on 18 June 1950.

On 12 January 1970, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Vilnius for the territory included in the Polish political borders. On 8 February, he received episcopal ordination. On 3 January 1976, he was appointed Archbishop of Wrocław (Wrocław).

In the consistory of 25 May 1985, he was created and published Cardinal with the title of the Immaculate Conception of Mary at Grottarossa. On 3 April 2004, he resigned the pastoral government of the archdiocese.

Ten days ago the Polish Cardinal was subjected to sanctions issued by the Holy See, after an investigation into charges of harassment, homosexual acts, and collaboration with the then Security Service.

In particular, disciplinary actions against him included being “prohibited from taking part in any public celebration or meeting; prohibited from using the episcopal insignia; and prohibited from the funeral service and burial in the cathedral.”