John Basil Hume

John Basil Hume (2 March 1923 – 17 June 1999) was a British Roman Catholic Cardinal and Archbishop of Westminster from 1976 until his death.

Early life and education

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John Cardinal Hume

John Hume was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, the son of Sir William Errington Hume and Marie Elizabeth Tisseyre. He was educated at the Ampleforth College, a Benedictine school in North Yorkshire, before entering the monastic life at the age of 18. He studied at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, where he was ordained a priest in 1950.

Career

Hume served as Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey from 1963 to 1976, during which time he became known for his efforts to modernise the monastic community. In 1976, he was appointed Archbishop of Westminster by Pope Paul VI, becoming the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in 1979 by Pope John Paul II.

As Archbishop, Hume was noted for his efforts to improve relations between the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, as well as with other faiths. He was also a strong advocate for social justice, speaking out on issues such as poverty, homelessness, and the arms trade.

Death and legacy

Hume died of cancer in 1999. His death was widely mourned, and he was praised for his humility, his commitment to social justice, and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue. In 2001, a memorial garden was opened in his honour at Westminster Cathedral.

See also

• List of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church
• Roman Catholic Church in England

External links

• Westminster Cathedral