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William GodfreyEnglish cardinal.
Date of Birth: 25.07.1889
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- William Godfrey
- Early Life and Education
- Ordination and Early Career
- Diplomatic Service
- Archbishop of Liverpool and Westminster
- Cardinalate and Later Life
William Godfrey
William Godfrey was born in Liverpool on 25 July 1889, the youngest son of George Godfrey, a carman, and Maria Garvey. His father died before he was born.
Early Life and Education
William decided at an early age to become a priest, and never seriously considered any other career. He attended the Catholic Jesuit School and then Ushaw Catholic College in Durham from 1903 to 1910. From 1910 to 1917, he studied at the English Catholic College in Rome.
Ordination and Early Career
On 28 October 1916, William was ordained to the priesthood in Rome. He continued his studies and earned doctorates in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1918.
During World War I, William served in the British Army Air Force until his ordination. He suffered a heart attack during this time, which he kept secret from the doctors.
After his ordination, William served at St. Michael's Church in Liverpool. He also taught classical art, philosophy, and theology at Ushaw Catholic College from 1918 to 1930.
Diplomatic Service
On 28 October 1930, William was raised to the rank of Monsignor and appointed Rector of the English College in Rome. He was known for his strictness among students, who called him "Uncle Bill."
In 1935, William was appointed to the papal commission in Malta. In 1937, he was an official guest at the coronation of King George VI.
On 10 November 1938, William became Titular Bishop of Cius and was appointed Papal Delegate to Great Britain, Gibraltar, and Malta. He was the first papal representative in Protestant Britain since the 16th century.
In 1943, during the war, William was appointed Papal Delegate to Poland (government in exile in London).
Archbishop of Liverpool and Westminster
On 10 November 1953, William became Archbishop of his native Liverpool. He made changes to the design of Liverpool Cathedral, though they were not implemented.
On 3 December 1956, William was appointed the 7th Archbishop of Westminster and thus the Primate of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. He criticized communism and advocated for England's return to Christ.
Cardinalate and Later Life
On 18 December 1958, William was elevated to the rank of Cardinal-Priest with the title of Ss. Nereo ed Achilleo. He attended the first session of the Second Vatican Council in 1962.
William opposed artificial birth control and was a keen sportsman and pianist. He died of a heart attack on 22 January 1963, at the age of 73. He was buried in Westminster Cathedral, London.
