Next, “St. John Paul II, who called me to be a bishop and then made me a cardinal: a man who loved freedom. That is why, so many times in my life I have chosen to live in freedom even though there were difficulties. Freedom is not negotiated, freedom allows you to be happy and help others,” Cipriani said.
“And finally Pope Benedict XVI, a man passionate about the truth even though the truth may bring you problems. The truth is that these years, together with these three holy men, I have tried to help the Church, serving the Church, helping the family, defending life. I’ve had a great time. They have been hard years of intense work,” the prelate shared.
Cipriani also thanked his parents and friends and encouraged everyone to forge ahead and to pray for him.
Who is Cardinal Cipriani?
Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne is one of the two current Peruvian cardinals. In his youth he studied engineering and was part of the national basketball team. On Dec. 28, 2023, he turned 80, meaning he will no longer be part of an eventual conclave to elect the next pope.
Pope Francis accepted his resignation as archbishop of Lima in 2019, after he turned 75, the retirement age for bishops. The pope appointed Father Carlos Castillo Mattasoglio as his successor.