John Cardinal O'Connor

His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor, (January 15, 1920 – May 3, 2000) was the eleventh bishop (eighth archbishop) of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of New York, serving from 1984 until his death in 2000.

Background

He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a family of Irish descent, and ordained a priest on December 15, 1945. He was initially assigned to St. James High School in Chester, Pennsylvania. He obtained a master's degree in advanced ethics from Villanova University and a doctorate in political science at Georgetown University in 1970 where he wrote his dissertation under future United Nations Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick and took classes at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. During his career he also performed the rite of exorcism.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Irish - Ordained - Priest - December 15 - 1945 - Chester, Pennsylvania - Ethics - Villanova University - Political science - Georgetown University - United Nations - Jeanne Kirkpatrick - Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service - Exorcism

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He joined the United States Navy in 1952 as a Korean War chaplain, often entering combat zones in order to perform mass and administer last rites to soldiers. He rose through the ranks to become rear admiral and chief of Navy chaplains. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of United States of America, Military by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1979 and ordained a bishop on May 27, 1979 with the titular see of Curzola. He was appointed Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania on May 6, 1983 and installed in that position June 29, 1983. He was appointed Archbishop of New York, New York on January 26, 1984 and installed in that position on March 19, 1984. He was elevated to Cardinal on May 25, 1985.

Related Topics:
United States Navy - 1952 - Korean War - Chaplain - Rear admiral - Auxiliary Bishop of United States of America - Pope John Paul II - April 24 - 1979 - May 27 - Titular see - Scranton, Pennsylvania - May 6 - 1983 - June 29 - January 26 - 1984 - March 19 - Cardinal - May 25 - 1985

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