Fr Timothy Radcliffe (S63) Appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis

We are delighted that Fr Timothy Radcliffe (S63), a distinguished Old Gregorian, and has been named a Cardinal by Pope Francis. This extraordinary honour will be conferred upon him in a consistory on 8th December 2024 in Rome.

Fr Timothy has followed a remarkable path since his days in the School. He was ordained in 1971 and became the first Englishman to serve as Master of the Dominican Order, a role he held from 1992 to 2001. During this time, he founded Dominican Volunteers International and played a pivotal role in establishing Franciscan-Dominican representative offices at the United Nations, underscoring his deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

His accolades include an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Oxford University in 2003, and from 2014 to 2016, he directed the Las Casas Institute, focusing on issues of social justice. Fr Timothy remains an active member of the Advisory Board at Blackfriars, Oxford, and is a Consulter for the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

In 2020, Fr Timothy was awarded the Old Gregorian Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions. His elevation to the College of Cardinals is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the Church and the values that have shaped his remarkable journey.

This appointment is a significant moment not only for Fr Timothy but also for Downside, as we celebrate one of our own being called to serve in such an important role within the global Church.