Background
Martins, José Cardinal Saraiva was born on January 6, 1932 in Gagos de Jarmelo, Portugal.
Martins, José Cardinal Saraiva was born on January 6, 1932 in Gagos de Jarmelo, Portugal.
Doctor in theological, Pontifical Aquinas University, Rome. Doctor of Philosophy, Free University Chieti. Doctor (honorary), Fu Jen Catholic University Taipei.
Ordained priest Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1957. Professor theological Major Seminary Italian Clarentian province, 1958—1959, Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, 1959—1969, Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, 1969—1988, dean theological faculty, 1974—1977, rector magnifico, 1977—1983, 1986—1988. Ordained bishop, 1988.
Archbishop, secretary Congregation for Catholic Education, Rome, 1988—1998. Prefect Congregation for the Causes of Saints, 1998—2008, prefect emeritus, since 2008. Elevated to cardinal, 2001.
Cardinal-deacon Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 2001—2009. Cardinal-bishop Palestrina, since 2009. Member Congregations for Bishops, and for Divine Worship & Discipline of the Sacraments, Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Health Care Workers, Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.