Ghanaian cardinal, known for dedication to poor, dies at age 89

Published: 2008-03-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery, known for his pastoral dedication and concern for the poor, died March 6. He was 89. Pope Benedict XVI, in a condolence telegram, praised the late cardinal for his many years of generous ministry. "This devoted pastor has left behind a shining legacy of prayer, humble obedience to the will of God and love of neighbor," the pope said. He paid tribute to the cardinal for "preaching the Gospel in difficult conditions with the love of a father, great zeal and simplicity of heart, constantly attentive to the needs of the poor." In 2006, Pope Benedict named him a cardinal in recognition of his lifetime of service to the church in the West African country of Ghana. Cardinal Dery was the oldest of the cardinals inducted in the 2006 consistory. In a poignant moment, he was carried in a wheelchair up the stairs of St. Peter's Square to receive his red hat from the pope. The cardinal was known in Ghana for encouraging and supporting young people to pursue education, showing personal concern for students and their talents.

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