Deaths on January 20

Stéphanos II Ghattas, Egyptian patriarch (b. 1920)

Stéphanos II Ghattas, born Andraos Ghattas (Arabic: إسطفانوس الثاني غطاس), was a prominent and influential figure within the Coptic Catholic Church, dedicating his life to dedicated service from his birth on January 16, 1920, until his passing on January 20, 2009. His distinguished ecclesiastical career culminated in his spiritual leadership as the Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria for two decades, from 1986 to 2006, and his significant elevation to the College of Cardinals within the universal Catholic Church.

Early Life and Episcopal Ministry

Born in Sheikh Zein-el-Dine, a village located in the Minya Governorate of Upper Egypt, Andraos Ghattas embarked on his spiritual journey by joining the Congregation of the Mission, an international Roman Catholic society of apostolic life more commonly known as the Vincentians, founded by Saint Vincent de Paul. He was ordained a priest for this congregation on June 16, 1944. His profound commitment to the Church and its mission led to his appointment as an eparch, a title equivalent to a bishop in the Latin Rite, signifying a vital pastoral and administrative role within an Eastern Catholic Church. Specifically, he served as the Eparch of Luxor (Thebes) for the Copts from 1967 until 1986. An eparch presides over an eparchy, which is a particular church or diocese, guiding the faithful and administering the sacraments within their specific ecclesiastical jurisdiction in accordance with their distinct liturgical and canonical traditions.

Patriarchate of Alexandria for the Copts

On June 9, 1986, following the resignation of Cardinal Stephanos I Sidarouss, Stéphanos II Ghattas was elected by the Synod of the Coptic Catholic Church as the Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria. This significant election was subsequently confirmed by Pope John Paul II, as is customary for Eastern Catholic Patriarchs. This role is far from merely symbolic; the Patriarch serves as the spiritual and administrative head of the autonomous Coptic Catholic sui iuris Church, which, while in full communion with the Pope of Rome, proudly retains its distinctive Alexandrian liturgical rites, theological traditions, and its own unique canon law. His extensive tenure, spanning from 1986 to March 30, 2006, marked a period of significant leadership, during which he guided his Church through two decades of spiritual and pastoral development, fostering its growth and enhancing its presence in Egypt and beyond. The Patriarch of Alexandria holds a unique historical and ecclesiastical position, tracing its spiritual lineage back to St. Mark the Evangelist, one of the original apostles, who is traditionally credited with establishing Christianity in Egypt.

Elevation to the College of Cardinals

In profound recognition of his enduring contributions and distinguished leadership within the universal Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II elevated Patriarch Stéphanos II Ghattas to the esteemed College of Cardinals. He was formally created a Cardinal-Priest in the consistory held on February 21, 2001, at which time he was assigned the titular church of San Marco in Via Arabia in Rome, symbolizing a profound link to the heart of the Latin Church. As a Cardinal, he became a senior ecclesiastical official of the Catholic Church, traditionally entrusted with the solemn responsibility of electing a new Pope during a papal conclave and serving as a direct advisor to the Roman Pontiff on matters of global Church governance. For an Eastern Catholic Patriarch, being created a Cardinal further signifies the deep unity and rich diversity of the various rites within the Catholic Church, and it provides a direct, influential voice for the unique perspectives and needs of the Eastern Churches within the highest echelons of the Holy See.

Later Life and Legacy

Stéphanos II Ghattas retired from his patriarchal duties on March 30, 2006, at the age of 86, with his resignation formally accepted by Pope Benedict XVI. He was succeeded by Patriarch Antonios Naguib, who continued his work. His long and profoundly dedicated service, characterized by insightful leadership and unwavering spiritual guidance, left an indelible mark on the Coptic Catholic Church. His efforts contributed significantly to its vitality, fostering its growth and promoting ongoing inter-Christian dialogue within the broader religious landscape of Egypt. He passed away peacefully three years later, on January 20, 2009, at the age of 89, leaving behind a lasting legacy of deep faith, unwavering commitment, and exemplary ecclesiastical statesmanship that continues to inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stéphanos II Ghattas

Who was Stéphanos II Ghattas?

Stéphanos II Ghattas, born Andraos Ghattas, was a highly respected and influential leader of the Coptic Catholic Church. He served as its Patriarch of Alexandria for two decades, from 1986 to 2006, and was later elevated to the prestigious College of Cardinals, making him a key advisor to the Pope and a significant figure in the universal Catholic Church.

What is the Coptic Catholic Church?

The Coptic Catholic Church is one of the 23 autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches that are in full communion with the Pope of Rome. It is distinct from the Coptic Orthodox Church, although both share a rich common heritage rooted in ancient Egyptian Coptic Christianity and adhere to the Alexandrian liturgical rite. The Coptic Catholic Church acknowledges the primacy and authority of the Roman Pontiff while maintaining its unique traditions, spiritual practices, and governance structure.

What is the role of the Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria?

The Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria serves as the spiritual and administrative head of the entire Coptic Catholic Church. This authoritative role involves overseeing the spiritual welfare of its faithful, providing guidance to its clergy, administering its various dioceses (known as eparchies), and representing the Coptic Catholic community both within Egypt and on the international ecclesiastical stage, including vital interactions with the Holy See.

When was Stéphanos II Ghattas made a Cardinal?

He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II during a solemn consistory held on February 21, 2001. This appointment made him one of the select group of senior clerics from around the world tasked with advising the Pope on matters of global Church governance and, importantly, with the responsibility of electing a new Pope during a papal conclave.

What does it mean for an Eastern Catholic Patriarch to be a Cardinal?

While Eastern Catholic Patriarchs possess a dignity and authority equivalent to that of a Cardinal by virtue of their ancient office, their elevation to the College of Cardinals by the Pope is a special and distinct recognition. It signifies the Holy Father's profound esteem for the Patriarch's person and his particular Church, further emphasizing the deep unity and rich diversity within the universal Catholic Church. As a Cardinal, he also gains the specific right to participate in papal conclaves (provided he is under 80 years old at the time of the Pope's death or resignation) and to advise the Roman Pontiff more directly on matters pertinent to the entire Church, bringing an essential Eastern perspective to the highest levels of Church governance.