Cardinal Paul Joseph Jean Poupard is a distinguished former senior Vatican official and an acclaimed author on cultural affairs whose writings have been translated into multiple languages.

Born on August 30, 1930, in Bouzillé, France, Poupard was ordained priest on December 18, 1954, and immediately began his career in teaching while continuing his studies and pastoral ministry. Poupard’s academic achievements include a doctorate in theology and history from the Sorbonne University, where he focused on the relationship between reason and faith, and between Church and State.

His early career involved working at the national center of scientific research and serving as an official of the Secretary of State and Chaplain of the San Domenico Institute in Rome. Poupard was present at the opening of the Second Vatican Council and provided services to Popes John XXIII and Paul VI. He then spent a decade as Rector of the Catholic Institute of Paris before being elected titular Bishop of Usula and Auxiliary of the Archbishop of Paris on February 2, 1979.

Poupard’s rise in the Church hierarchy continued when Pope John Paul II promoted him to Archbishop in 1980, appointing him as Pro-president of the Secretariat for Non-believers. He later became President of the Executive Committee of the newly created Pontifical Council for Culture in 1982. On May 27, 1985, St. John Paul II created and proclaimed Poupard as Cardinal, with the Title of S. Prassede (St. Praxedes).

Throughout his career, Cardinal Poupard has held several significant positions within the Vatican. He served as President of the Pontifical Council for Culture for many years — from 1988 to 2007 — and briefly as President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue in 2006. He participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Poupard is known for his extensive writings that have been translated into multiple languages, and for collaborations on various studies. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Cardinal Grente award from the French Academy and Knighthood from the Legion of Honor.

Cardinal Poupard’s service to the Church spans over five decades, during which he has held significant positions in academia, cultural affairs, and interfaith dialogue. His work has been particularly focused on the intersection of faith, culture, and dialogue with non-believers and those of other religions.