Cardinal Dominik Duka, Former Archbishop of Prague, Dies at 82
Cardinal Dominik Duka, emeritus Archbishop of Prague and a leading conservative figure in the Czech Republic, passed away in Prague after several days in hospital. He was 82 years old.
The Archdiocese of Prague announced the cardinal's death early Tuesday morning, following a serious illness that led to his hospitalisation. On the preceding Saturday, they confirmed his readmittance to the hospital and requested prayers, asking "that the Lord may grant him strength, peace and consolation in this time of trial."
“The Lord of life called the emeritus Archbishop of Prague, Cardinal Dominik Duka, to eternity. May the infinitely merciful God open His arms to him and fill him with His love and bliss.”
Early Life and Religious Service
Born on April 26, 1943, in Hradec Králové, Cardinal Duka joined the Dominican Order in 1968 amid the political repression following the Prague Spring. He was ordained a priest in 1970 but was soon persecuted by communist authorities who revoked his licence to minister publicly.
Denied official permission to practice his priestly duties, he was forced to work as a draughtsman at the Škoda factory in Pilsen. Despite this, he served secretly as a priest for fifteen years, ministering covertly under constant surveillance.
Legacy
Cardinal Duka was known for his enduring commitment to the Church during times of oppression and for being one of the Czech Republic’s most vocal conservative religious leaders.
His perseverance under communist persecution and later outspokenness mark him as a significant figure in the country's religious history.
Author's summary: Cardinal Dominik Duka served faithfully under communist repression and emerged as a prominent conservative voice in the Czech Church, leaving a lasting impact until his death at 82.