Franciszek Macharski

Franciszek Macharski (May 20, 1927 – August 2, 2016) was a Polish cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who held the significant position of Archbishop of Kraków. His appointment in December 1978 by Pope John Paul II was notable as he succeeded the Pope himself, who had previously held the archdiocesan see until his election to the papacy.

Early Life and Priesthood

Born in Kraków, Poland, Macharski was the youngest of four children. During World War II, he worked as a laborer before entering the seminary in his native city, where he also pursued theological studies. He was ordained as a priest in April 1950 by Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha. Following his ordination, he served as a vicar in a parish near Bielsko-Biała until 1956, after which he transferred to Fribourg, Switzerland, to continue his theological education, earning his doctorate in 1960.

Archbishop and Cardinal

Macharski's episcopal consecration took place at the Vatican on January 6, 1979, performed by Pope John Paul II. He officially assumed his duties as Archbishop of Kraków on January 28, 1979, with his installation at Wawel Cathedral. In June 1979, during the first consistory of Pope John Paul II, Macharski was created Cardinal-Priest of San Giovanni a Porta Latina, making him a cardinal just six months after his episcopal consecration. He remained an active participant in papal conclaves, serving as a cardinal elector in the 2005 conclave that elected Joseph Alois Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI. He lost his right to vote in conclaves upon reaching the age of 80 in May 2007.

Retirement and Death

Cardinal Macharski retired from his role as Archbishop of Kraków on June 3, 2005. His successor was Stanisław Dziwisz, who had served as Pope John Paul II's private secretary. In June 2016, Macharski suffered a fall down the stairs of his home. Pope Francis visited him in a Kraków hospital on July 28, 2016, while Macharski was in a coma. He passed away five days later.