Emeritus Cardinal Tomko, the oldest member of the College of Cardinals and former head of the Congregation for Evangelization, has passed away. He was 98 years old. He died at his residence in Rome.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
Cardinal Joseph Tomko of Slovak origin died in Rome at 5 am on Monday, August 8. In 1985, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He was the oldest member of the group of cardinals.
Cardinal Tomko died at his residence in Rome. V. He was ministered to by nuns from the Sisters of Charity of Vincent de Paul.
He was admitted to Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital last June 25 due to a spinal cord injury in his neck and returned to his residence with a nurse to continue his treatment at home care on Saturday, August 6. During his hospital stay, he was visited by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Upon learning of the cardinal’s death, the Slovak bishops’ council from Udavské, Košice Archdiocese invited the faithful to pray for his repose. The date of the cremation will be announced later.
“With a heavy heart and at the same time with the hope of resurrection, His Excellency Cardinal Josef Tomko announces that he entrusted his soul to the Lord in the early morning of August 8, 2022 at his residence in Rome in the circle of his closest associates,” the press office of the Slovak Bishops’ Council said in a message. The council asked everyone to remember him in prayer.
More information about the funeral in Rome and the burial at the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth in Kosice, where he will be buried, will be announced at a later date.