Cardinal who administered Church after JPII’s death has died at 94

Spanish Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo died in the Vatican on the morning of August 10 at age 94.

The cardinal had a long life in service of the Holy See, and notably was the Cardinal Chamberlain (or Camerlengo), at the time of the death of John Paul II. The Camerlengo is the cardinal who administers the Church in the time between the death of a pontiff and the election of another.

At the time of his resignation from that position due to having turned 80 years old, then-Pope Benedict XVI spoke of his “diligence,” “competence,” and “love” in the service of the Holy See.

He also noted the attitudes of solemn sobriety and dignity shown by the Chamberlain at the time when, following the death of Pope St. John Paul II, he became the highest authority pro tempore of the Church.

According to a report from Vatican News, many also appreciated the cardinal’s sense of humor, and his closeness to the people, in particular to those who suffer.

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