Cardinal Sin, leader of 'People Power' movement, dies at 76

Published: 2005-06-21

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- A prime motivator of the "People Power" movement that led to the ouster of two presidents, Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila died June 21 at the age of 76. The cardinal had been in poor health for years, suffering from kidney ailments that forced him to undergo daily dialysis treatments even before his retirement as archbishop of Manila in 2003. His health prevented him from participating in the April 18-19 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. Father Jun Sescon, Cardinal Sin's spokesman, told Philippine Radio that the cardinal was hospitalized June 19 with a high fever and suffered multiple organ failure before his death early June 21. In a June 21 telegram to the Archdiocese of Manila, Pope Benedict recalled the cardinal's "unfailing commitment to the spread of the Gospel and to the promotion of the dignity, common good and national unity of the Philippine people." The pope offered his prayers "that God, our merciful father, will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome his noble soul into the joy and peace of his eternal kingdom."

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