Alfred Bengsch

Alfred Bengsch (September 10, 1921 – December 13, 1979) was a German Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Berlin from 1961 until his death, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1967.

His Eminence

Alfred Bengsch
Cardinal, Archbishop (personal title) of Berlin
Alfred Bengsch preaching in Worbis, 24 September 1978.
ChurchRoman Catholic
DioceseBerlin
Installed16 August 1961
Term ended13 December 1979
PredecessorJulius Döpfner
SuccessorJoachim Meisner
Orders
Ordination2 April 1950
by Konrad von Preysing
Consecration11 June 1959
by Julius Döpfner
Created cardinal26 June 1967
by Paul VI
RankCardinal Priest
Personal details
Born(1921-09-10)10 September 1921
Berlin, Prussia
German Reich
Died13 December 1979(1979-12-13) (aged 58)
East Berlin, East Germany
BuriedSt. Hedwig's Cathedral
NationalityGerman
DenominationRoman Catholic
Coat of arms
Styles of
Alfred Bengsch
Reference styleHis Eminence
Spoken styleYour Eminence
Informal styleCardinal
SeeBerlin

Biography

Alfred Bengsch was born in Berlin, and his father Leo was a postal worker. Entering a Jesuit gymnasium in 1932, he later attended the Superior School of Philosophy and Theology in Fulda, and the seminary in Neuzelle. During World War II, Bengsch was drafted by the German Army; in the course of his service, he was wounded and captured by the United States Army in August 1944.

He was eventually ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Konrad von Preysing on April 2, 1950. Bengsch then did pastoral work in Berlin until 1954, when he began teaching at the seminary in Erfurt, of which he was named regent on April 1, 1959. From 1956 to 1959, he also served as a professor at Neuzelle's seminary.

On May 2, 1959, Bengsch was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Berlin and Titular Bishop of Tubia. He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 11 from Cardinal Julius Döpfner. Bengsch succeeded Döpfner as Bishop of Berlin on August 16, 1961, three days after the erection of the Berlin Wall. During his tenure in Berlin, he was given a monthly permission to cross the Wall to minister to the Eastern portion of his flock.[1] The German prelate was granted the personal title of "Archbishop" on January 14, 1962, and participated in the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965).

Viewed as a conservative, Bengsch did not involve himself in political affairs.[1] He was created Cardinal-Priest of S. Filippo Neri in Eurosia by Pope Paul VI in the consistory of June 26, 1967. As Bengsch was the first East German to receive the red hat, this was seen as an act to better the Church's relations with East Germany.[1] He was also the youngest prelate to be elevated at the ceremony.[2] Berlin's bishop was one of the cardinal electors in the conclaves of August and October 1978.

Bengsch died in Berlin at age 58, and was buried at St. Hedwig's Cathedral.

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References
  1. TIME Magazine. Milestones December 24, 1979
  2. TIME Magazine. The Fine Papal Art Of Creating New Cardinals June 9, 1967
Catholic Church titles
Preceded by
Julius Döpfner		 Bishop of Berlin
1961–1979		 Succeeded by
Joachim Meisner
New title
New Creation
 Chairman of the Berlin Conference of Catholic Bishops
1976–1979		 Succeeded by
Gerhard Schaffran
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