Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, the head of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, died July 12 after a long illness, according to Vatican radio.
Archbishop Zimowski held multiple leadership positions within the church, most recently as a leader in the church's health care ministry. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as president of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers. The council provides education and support to those in health care fields caring for the sick. It explains church teachings on health issues and works with health care organizations around the globe.
Pope Francis wrote to the council in shared mourning over Archbishop Zimowski's death and to recognize the prelate's ministry to his diocese in Radom, Poland, and his service to the Holy See, saying Archbishop Zimowski "lived in a spirit of faith and Christian testimony."
Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, CHA's president and chief executive officer, said, "Archbishop Zimowski was a wonderful person. He reached out all over the world to the sick, their families and their caregivers. He understood so well how important it is for the church to have a vibrant ministry to the sick. His many friends around the world in health care will be praying for his eternal rest with his God."
Archbishop Zimowski was born in Kupienin, Poland, in 1949, was ordained a priest in 1973 and was consecrated as bishop of Radom in 2002. He held a doctorate in dogmatic theology, according to a biography provided by the pontifical council.
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