James Cardinal Hickey

(1920-2004)

Deeply Committed Pro-Life Catholic Cardinal Dies

James Cardinal Hickey, the retired archbishop of Washington, D.C., died on October 24, 2004, after a week-long bout with pneumonia and several years of declining health.

Cardinal Hickey was a friend to the pro-life movement, frequently spoke out in defense of the unborn child, and continually urged all people to promote the culture of life.

Each year, Cardinal Hickey graciously opened facilities in his diocese to the thousands of pro-lifers who journey to Washington on January 22 to participate in the annual March for Life.

In May 1990, Cardinal Hickey addressed the largest pro-life gathering ever assembled when he participated in NRLC's Rally for Life on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

Witnessing his deep commitment for the poor and sick, Cardinal Hickey welcomed Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity when they opened the Gift of Peace Convent, where the sisters daily care for the homeless, sick, and dying.

President George W. Bush issued a statement praising Cardinal Hickey as an "inspirational spiritual leader who brought comfort to the sick and help and hope to those in need."

Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, who succeeded Cardinal Hickey as the Archbishop of Washington when Hickey retired in 2001, said, "He (Cardinal Hickey) was a wonderful man, a man of great holiness, a man of wisdom, an extraordinary man."