Suenens, Leon Joseph (1904–1996)

Belgian cardinal. He was educated at the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, and went on to be ordained in 1927. His abilities attracted attention and he was rapidly promoted. During the greater part of World War II, he was private chamberlain to the Pope, Pius XII. In 1941 he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Malines, the primatial see of Belgium. In 1945 he succeeded to the archbishopric of Malines, and primacy of Belgium, an office that he was to hold for 16 years. In 1962 he was elevated to the cardinalate. Suenens was a leading member of the reforming movement in the Roman Catholic Church. He played an important part in the shaping of the policy of the Second Vatican Council, and was a powerful voice for progress in the Curia.