Bernardin, Joseph L.

Bernardin, Joseph L. (Louis)

(1928– ) Catholic prelate; born in Columbia, S.C. Ordained in 1952, he did pastoral work and held administrative posts in the Charleston archdiocese before being named auxiliary bishop of New Orleans (1966–68). He later became general secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) (1968–72) and archbishop of Cincinnati, Ohio (1972–82), also serving as NCCB president (1974–77). A progressive, he denounced violence, racism, and poverty, along with abortion, in a "seamless garment" of "pro-life" teaching. He was named archbishop of Chicago in 1982, and became a cardinal the next year.