Former Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor has died at the age of 85
He had been seriously ill in hospital since his health took a "defining turn" in August
CORMAC Murphy-O'Connor, the former Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, has died aged 85, a church spokesman has said.
He became leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales in March 2000 before retiring from his role in 2009.
He had been seriously ill in hospital since his health took a "defining turn" in August.
Born on 24 August 1932 in Reading, Berkshire, Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor was one of six children. Two of his brothers became priests while another played rugby for Ireland.
He was ordained priest in Rome in October 1956 and Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal in 2001.
The Cardinal was noted for his understanding and compassion towards members of his flock who were struggling to fulfil the exacting demands of the Church.
He also ventured views verging on feminist - by the conservative standards of the Roman Catholic Church - questioning whether women's "gifts of wisdom and discernment" were used enough in the Catholic Church.
The Cardinal also stood with the liberal wing of the Catholic Church in supporting the use of condoms in Africa where it prevented the spread of HIV/Aids.
His commitment to social justice was seen in his decision in 2005 to lead the Make Poverty History march in Edinburgh alongside Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of Scotland's Roman Catholics.
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Tony Blair paid tribute to the Cardinal, saying: "He led a life of commitment, dedication and compassion. But he also led a life of joy.
"He was a lovely person to be with and be around with a great sense of humour and the sharpest of wits.
"I found him always a source of wisdom and genuine friendship."
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