Professor, Archbishop, Papal Diplomat

Today marks the death of Cardinal Aloisius Muench (1889-1962), professor, bishop, and papal diplomat. Born in Milwaukee to German immigrants, he studied for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee at St. Francis Seminary. Ordained in 1913, he went on to earn a doctorate a the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, followed by post-doctoral studies in France and England. He then returned to his alma mater as professor and later as rector. In 1935 he was named the third Bishop of Fargo. In 1946, he wrote a pastoral letter titled “One World in Charity,” that attracted attention worldwide, in which he called for a compassionate and just treatment to Japan and Germany. In 1946 Pope Pius XII sent him to West Germany, where he served as Apostolic Visitator and oversaw a program for displaced persons. In 1951 he was named Papal Nuncio (official Vatican ambassador) to Germany. In 1959 he was named a Cardinal and assigned to Rome. There he was appointed to the Sacred Congregations of Religious, Rites, and Extraordinary Affairs. He was the first American to be become a member of the Roman Curia. He died in Rome on the ever of the Second Vatican Council and was buried in Fargo.