VATICAN CITY (CNS): Belgian Cardinal Jan Schotte, who served the Holy See for more than three decades, died in Rome on January 10 at the age of 76.
The Vatican did not give a cause of death.
In a telegram of condolence to a member of the late cardinal’s family, Pope John Paul II said Cardinal Schotte left his mark as an example of someone who lived his life for Christ, dedicated to his priestly and religious vocation.
The late cardinal addressed social issues “in full faithfulness to the Gospel and Church teachings”, the Pope said.
Cardinal Schotte died while still holding several Vatican posts, including president of the Vatican’s labour office, which is responsible for overseeing the city-state’s workers.
He was best remembered as secretary-general of the Vatican based Synod of Bishops from 1985 to 2004, when he retired from the position because of his age.
Cardinal Schotte served as a special attache for the Secretariat of State under three pontificates, starting with Pope Paul VI in 1972.
He served on several Vatican commissions and councils, and was secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace from 1980-83.
