Murphy-O'Connor, Cormac*

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, Great Britain, was born on August 24, 1932 in Reading, Great Britain. He was ordained for the Diocese of Portsmouth on October 28, 1956 and holds licentiates in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.

He served as a curate in Portsmouth and Fareham, and was director of vocations and secretary to then-Bishop Derek Worlock. He was later parish priest of Immaculate Conception, Southampton, for a year before being named rector of the Venerable English College, Rome (1971-1977).

On November 17, 1977 he was appointed Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, and received episcopal ordination on December 21.

From 1982 to 2000 he was co-chairman of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) and also served as chairman of several committees of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

His promotion to Archbishop of Westminster was announced on February15, 2000.

Presently, he is President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Served as Vice President of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE), 2001-2006.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of February 21, 2001, of the Title of S. Maria sopra Minerva (Holy Mary above Minerva).

Member of:

  • Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments;
  • Pontifical Councils: for the Family; for Promoting Christian Unity; for Culture;
  • Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church;
    Committee Vox Clara;
  • Administration of Patrimony of the Apostolic See (A.P.S.A.);
  • XI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops;
  • Council of Cardinals for the Study of Organizational and Economic Affairs of the Holy See.