Michele Giordano

Cardinal Michele Giordano ( born September 26, 1930 in Sant'Arcangelo, Province of Potenza, Italy, † December 2, 2010 in Naples) was Archbishop of Naples.

Life

Michele Giordano studied philosophy and theology at the local seminary in Potenza and then in Salerno and the inter-diocesan seminary in Posillipo. He received on 5 July 1953, the sacrament of Holy Orders and was a pastor in Scanzano. He has held various positions in the diocese from 1959 Anglona - Tursi, including as director of the Center for catechesis and later the Centre for Social Studies and as Vicar General.

On December 23, 1971 Pope Paul VI appointed him. Titular Bishop of Castellum Lari and auxiliary bishop in the diocese of Matera. The episcopal ordination he received on February 5, 1972 Archbishop Giacomo Palombella; Were co-consecrators Dino Tomassini, Bishop of Anglona - Tursi, and Giuseppe Vairo, Archbishop of Acerenza. His episcopal motto was " Sicut flumen pax tua ". In 1974 he was appointed Archbishop of Matera Irsina and was Administrator of the Diocese of Gravina and Irsina. On May 9, 1987, Pope John Paul II appointed Archbishop of Naples. 1987 voted him the 24 bishops of Campania as President of the Regional Episcopal Conference.

In the consistory of 28 June 1988, he was received by Pope John Paul II as a Cardinal with the priestly title church of San Gioacchino ai Prati di Castello in the College of Cardinals.

Giordano was a member of the Executive Board of the Section II of the Vatican Secretariat of State, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for the Clergy and the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers.

Giordano was known for his efforts in the fight against organized crime, especially in Naples. He came here several times in conflict with the Italian judiciary. He was sentenced to four months in prison on probation because he had violated the Italian building regulations 2002. The Court of Cassation has however dismissed the action on 28 April 2005. Investigation of usury and tax offenses were set, however.

Giordano was a participant at the conclave in 2005, in which Pope Benedict XVI. was chosen. This took on 20 May 2006 Giordano in 2005 in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Canon Law for reasons of age pre- mounted resignation to. Until the inauguration ceremony ( enthronement ) of his successor Crescenzio Cardinal Sepe on 1 July of the same year, he directed the Archbishopric of Naples as Apostolic Administrator further.