Cardinal László Paskai, O.F.M., Archbishop Emeritus of Esztergom-Budapest, was born on May 8, 1927 in Szeged, in the south-eastern zone of Hungary. He entered the Order of Friars Minor and studied theology in Gyoongyos and at the seminary of Budapest.

He was ordained a priest on March 3, 1951, and began his pastoral ministry in the diocese of Nagyvárad. The following year, he obtained a doctorate in theology from the Bucharest Academy, and then returned to his native city to serve as the bishop’s master of ceremonies. From 1955 to 1962, he was a professor of theology and philosophy at the seminary of Szeged. He was also a librarian. He was Prefect of the interdiocesan seminary and then in 1962 was spiritual director and professor of philosophy, ascetical theology and liturgy.

Always as spiritual director, in 1965 he was transferred to the seminary of Budapest and in 1973 he became rector.

On March 2, 1978, Paul VI appointed him titular Bishop of Bavagaliana and apostolic administrator of Veszprém. He received episcopal ordination on April 5, 1978.

About a year later, on March 31, 1979, he became Bishop of Veszprém.

Three years later, on April 5, 1982, he was promoted to Coadjutor Archbishop of Kalocsa. On July 8, 1986 (until 1990), he was elected president of the Hungarian Episcopal Conference and then on March 3, 1987 he was transferred to the Metropolitan see of Esztergom. He took possession of the archdiocese and also was given the title of Primate of Hungary, on April 25, 1987.

Archbishop Emeritus of Esztergom-Budapest, December 7, 2002.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of June 28, 1988, of the Title of S. Teresa al Corso d'Italia (St. Theresa al Corso d’Italia).