His Eminence Karl Josef Becker | |
|---|---|
| Cardinal-Deacon ofSan Giuliano Martire | |
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| Appointed | 18 February 2012 |
| Installed | 22 April 2012 |
| Term ended | 10 February 2015 |
| Predecessor | None |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 31 July 1958 |
| Created cardinal | 18 February 2012 byPope Benedict XVI |
| Rank | Cardinal-Deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Karl Josef Becker (1928-04-18)18 April 1928 |
| Died | 10 February 2015(2015-02-10) (aged 86) |
| Nationality | German |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Coat of arms |  |
Karl Josef Becker S.J. (18 April 1928 – 10 February 2015) was a German Catholictheologian and consultor for theCongregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since 15 September 1977. He taught at thePontifical Gregorian University in Rome.[1]
Becker entered theSociety of Jesus on 13 April after having studied classical philology for three semesters. After the novitiate in Cologne, he studied philosophy at the Jesuit Seminary of Pullach (todayHochschule für Philosophie/Philosophical Faculty SJ in Munich) from 1950 to 1953. From 1955 to 1959, he studied theology at theUniversity (Hochschule) for Philosophy and Theology Sankt Georgen in Frankfurt am Main. His doctoral dissertation in theology was "Die Rechtfertigungslehre nach Domingo de Soto. Das Denken eines Konzilstellnehmers vor, in und nach Trient", which he defended in 1963. It was published in 1967.
According toJohn L. Allen Jr., Becker enjoyed the respect and trust of then-CardinalJoseph Ratzinger, the prefect of the congregation (and future Pope Benedict XVI). More than one theologian in trouble was advised to "go see Fr. Becker." It is widely believed, for example, that Becker was involved in the Vatican's investigation of fellow Jesuit Fr.Jacques Dupuis and his work onreligious pluralism.
Becker wrote about interpretations of "subsistit in" inLumen gentium.[2] In 2009, it was announced that he would participate in thedoctrinal discussions between theSociety of St. Pius X and theHoly See.[3]
PopeBenedict XVI made Becker a cardinal on 18 February 2012.[4] Considering his age, Becker asked for and received dispensation not to be consecrated a bishop as required by canon law. Becker wasCardinal-Deacon ofSan Giuliano Martire.[5]
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