89-year-old German Cardinal Josef Cordes—who was one of the initiators of the World Youth Days —died in Rome on March 15.
Alongside Pope John Paul II, Cordes helped plan what would become known as the World Youth Days. In 1995, Cordes was appointed by Pope John Paul II as the head of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” that focused on humanitarian action when worldwide disaters occurred.
Cordes was created a Cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. He had a special devotion to the youth and spiritual movements. He also often wrote and spoke about the innate value of priests.
Three days after his death, a funeral for Cardinal Josef Cordes took place in St. Peter's Basilica. In a telegram sent to his family, Pope Francis remembered the Cardinal. He said he served the Church with “fidelity and generosity” and was especially attentive to the needs of youth.
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