America’s First Polish Cardinal

Today marks the death of John Krol (1910-1996), the first Polish-American Cardinal. Born in Cleveland to Polish immigrants, he was managing a supermarket when a Protestant co-worker stumped him in a theological argument. The experience inspired him to launch on a personal study of Catholicism that led to his being ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cleveland in 1937. After a few years in parish work, Father Krol was assigned to study Canon Law in Rome and in Washington, at Catholic University. In 1953, he was named an auxiliary bishop. In 1961, he was named Archbishop of Philadelphia. During the Second Vatican Council, he served as a coordinator and undersecretary. In 1967 he was elevated to the College of Cardinals. While Krol supported the council, he was conservative and cautious in implementing it. For example, he disliked the reception of Communion in the hand; he resisted and delayed the introduction of Saturday evening Masses; he disapproved the revisions regarding marriage between Catholics and non-Catholics. Politically he pulled no punches making clear his support for the Republican party. But it was always clear that the spiritual welfare of Philadelphia Catholics was his main concern. (He is seen here in a black cassock with the Cardinals named in 1969.)