Philadelphia cardinal dies at 87

Cardinal John Krol, archbishop of Philadelphia for 27 years, died at the age of 85 early yesterday morning. Philadelphia is the nation's sixth-largest archdiocese within the Catholic Church. Krol, a leading Roman Catholic conservative, strongly supported the University's Newman Center. In the city he concentrated on expanding schools, parishes and services for refugees, the elderly, youth and the hungry. According to Newman Center Director Father Mark Hunt, Krol was the man responsible for establishing gathering places on many campuses in the Philadelphia area. "Krol played a big part in expanding the Newman apostolate," Hunt explained. "It was during his term that many local centers developed." Krol founded the University's Newman Center, along with similar models at Drexel, Temple and West Chester universities. College senior and Vice President of the Newman Council Paul Godinez said Krol was a role model for his church involvement. "I am from Philadelphia and had the opportunity to meet Krol when I was young," Godinez said. "He is a great man who gave a lot of support to our region. He will be greatly missed." Krol was known for promoting nuclear disarmament and assisted in revamping Vatican finances. During his lifetime, Krol suffered from diabetes, a heart condition and a broken hip. Krol had been hospitalized since February 14 because of complications with a treatment for kidney problems and a blood clot in his leg. "His wishes were answered," Joseph Majdan, the cardinal's physician and longtime friend told The Associated Press. "He is now home." Along with his involvement in the Philadelphia community, Krol worked nationally to fight communism, abortion and what he saw as the erosion of morality. In 1982, he promoted a "mutually verifiable freeze" on nuclear weapons. His ideas helped push fellow bishops toward a pastoral letter on peace the following year. Before the beginning of his religious service, Krol was manager of the meat department at a local grocery store when a Lutheran co-worker quizzed him on questions of faith he could not answer. He decided to turn his attention to religion. Masses will be held all week to honor Krol at the cathedral-basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. "Krol was a fantastic person who was made for his job," Hunt said. "I can't say all the great things he did. Everyone owes Krol a great many debts." The Associated Press contributed to this article.