A Jesuit like Pope Francis, Hollerich spent more than 20 years in Japan, and is a specialist in European-Asian cultural relations as well as German literature.
In 2011, Pope Benoit XVI appealed to him to come back to Luxembourg. Upon his return, he was eighth bishop and third archbishop of the Grand Duchy.
On 1 September 2019, the decision was made for Jean-Claude Hollerich to participate in the conclave, representing Luxembourg for the first time. On that day, Pope Francis read out the names of 13 cardinals. After five weeks passed, a celebratory ceremony was held in St. Peter’s cathedral which inaugurated the Luxembourger and 12 other clergymen as cardinals.
Firm on dogma, the theologian is still open to the need for the Church to adapt to societal changes, much like the Argentine pope he was close to and for whom he served as an adviser on the Council of Cardinals. Hollerich has advocated for the environment and has pushed for laypeople, especially young people, to have more involvement in the Church. Furthermore, he envisages loosening up celibacy, which would enable married men to become priests as well.
The Luxembourgish cardinal has a certain amount of influence within the Vatican. At the last global synod, the jesuit played a significant role. As general relator, he mediated the diversity of opinions. Therefore, the international media outlets have already elected Jean-Claude Hollerich as one of their favourites.
