Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo, Patriarch of Lisbon, Portugal, was born on February 26, 1936 in Alvorninha, Portugal. He was ordained on August 15, 1961 for the Patriarchate of Lisbon and holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.
He was director of the seminary in Penafirme, rector of the seminary in Olivais and dean of the Theological Faculty of the Portuguese Catholic University. He later served two terms as rector of the same university (1988-96). He is the author of a number of books and scholarly articles.
On May 26, 1978 he was appointed titular Bishop of Caliabria and Auxiliary of Lisbon, receiving episcopal ordination on June 29. On March 5, 1997 he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lisbon and succeeded Cardinal António Ribeiro as Patriarch on March 24, 1998. He is also Grand Chancellor of the Portuguese Catholic University. He was elected President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference in April 1999 and served until June 2005..
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of February 21, 2001, of the Title of S. Antonio in Campo Marzio (St. Anthony in Campo Marzio).
Member of:
- Congregation for Catholic Education;
- Pontifical Councils: for the Laity; for Culture.
