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Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and advocate for justice and peace, passed away on the morning of 28 October in Rome at the age of 91. Born on 23 November 1932 in Salerno, Italy, Cardinal Martino dedicated over six decades to the service of the Church, holding influential positions within the Vatican. He was the President emeritus of both the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. He also served as Cardinal Protodeacon, a senior role among the College of Cardinals.
Ordained as a priest on 20 June 1957, Cardinal Martino held a degree in Canon Law and began his career with the Holy See's diplomatic service in 1962. His assignments took him to Apostolic Nunciatures across Nicaragua, the Philippines, Lebanon, Canada, and Brazil. By 1970, he was leading the Section for International Organisations within the Secretariat of State.
In 1986, he was appointed the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, a role he held for almost two decades. His tenure included active participation in major UN-led international conferences, where he represented the Vatican's stance on critical global issues, often emphasizing the Church's commitment to human rights, social justice, and peacebuilding. Cardinal Martino's legacy in promoting peace and supporting migrant and vulnerable communities remains a testament to his enduring dedication and impact on the global Catholic community.
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