František Radkovský (born 3 October 1939) is a Czech Roman Catholic prelate, who served as the first Bishop of Plzeň from 1993 to 2016. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Prague and titular bishop of Aggar from 1990 to 1993.
František Radkovský | |
|---|---|
| Bishop Emeritus of Plzeň | |
 Radkovský in 2017 | |
| Church | Roman Catholic |
| Province | Prague |
| Diocese | Plzeň |
| Appointed | 31 May 1993 |
| Term ended | 12 February 2016 |
| Predecessor | (Position established) |
| Successor | Tomáš Holub |
| Previous posts | auxiliary bishop of Prague and titular bishop of Aggar (1990–1993) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 27 June 1970 by František Tomášek |
| Consecration | 7 April 1990 by František Tomášek |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 October 1939 |
| Alma mater | Charles University |
| Motto | Credidimus Caritati |
| Coat of arms |  |
Early life and education
editRadkovský was born in Třešť. After completing his secondary education, he studied at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University in Prague, specializing in mathematical statistics, graduating in 1962. Following his military service, he entered the Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology in Litoměřice in 1966.[1]
Priesthood
editHe was ordained a priest on 27 June 1970 for the Archdiocese of Prague.[2] His early ministry was spent as a chaplain and administrator in various parishes, including Mariánské Lázně. In 1987, he was appointed the director of the episcopal curia in Prague.[1]
Episcopal ministry
editOn 17 March 1990, Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Prague and Titular Bishop of Aggar. He received his episcopal consecration on 7 April 1990 from Cardinal František Tomášek.[2]
Bishop of Plzeň
editWhen the Diocese of Plzeň was established on 31 May 1993, Radkovský was appointed its first diocesan bishop.[2] During his tenure, he focused on building the structures of the new diocese and fostering ecumenical relations. He has frequently spoken on the intersection of faith and social stability, famously noting that a lack of faith can lead to broader societal decline.[3]
On 12 February 2016, Pope Francis accepted his resignation, submitted upon reaching the age limit of 75, and appointed Tomáš Holub as his successor.[4]
Honours
editReferences
edit- 1 2 "Emeritní biskup plzeňský František Radkovský slaví 55 let kněžství" (in Czech). Cirkev.cz. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
- 1 2 3 "Bishop František Radkovský". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
- ↑ "Když vyhasne víra, nebudou ani peníze" (in Czech). Katolický týdeník. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
- ↑ "Rinunce e nomine, 12.02.2016" (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
- ↑ "Plzeňští zastupitelé schválili návrh udělit čestné občanství města biskupu Františku Radkovskému" (in Czech). Regiony24.cz. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
External links
edit- Bishop František Radkovský at Catholic-Hierarchy.org