Paris, France, May 14, 2008 / 11:37 am
Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, a native a Benin and one of the most beloved collaborators of Pope John Paul II, died Tuesday in Paris at the age of 86.
Cardinal Gantin was born in Toffo in the Diocese of Cotonou, Benin, on May 8, 1922. He was made a cardinal by Pope Paul VI on June 27, 1977. He spent more than 30 years working in the Roman Curia as prefect for the Congregation of Bishops, president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and Dean of the College of Cardinals.
In 2002 he asked Pope John Paul II for permission to return to Benin to work as a pastor and missionary. The Pope granted his request in a letter in which he expressed his affection and admiration for the fidelity of Cardinal Gantin as well as his pastoral zeal that led him to retire from the Curia and return to his homeland.
Because of his declining health he was forced to go to Paris to receive more adequate medical treatment.