Voting Station

Joseph 'Cardinal' Bernardin

Please vote to return to collections.

Religious Figure

The Resume

    (April 2, 1928-November 14, 1996)
    Ordained a priest on December 15, 1952
    Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta, GA (April 26, 1966-November 21, 1972)
    Archbishop of Cincinnati, OH (December 19, 1972-July 10, 1982)
    Archbishop of Chicago, IL (August 25, 1982-November 14, 1996)
    Elevated to Cardinal (February 2, 1983)

Why he might be annoying:

    He was accused of sexually molesting a young man who was studying for the priesthood in 1991.
    He had to endure a 'trial by media' while the charges were investigated.

Why he might not be annoying:

    His accuser later recanted his accusations and admitted to lying to police, citing a 'faulty memory.'
    He publicly asked people to forgive his accuser, stating he 'prays that this young man should never have to feel such desperation to resort to such actions.'
    He called for more humane treatment of homeless people, battered women, and other people looked down upon by mainstream society.
    The grace and dignity he showed while facing false sexual molestation charges are an inspiration to many.
    When diagnosed with prostate cancer, he showed the same grace and dignity.
    If he had not died before Pope John Paul II, experts say he would have been the first American Pope.
    He was an eloquent public speaker.
    Despite his high status as a Cardinal, he was not afraid to incorporate humor and fun into his sermons.

Credit: Blossman


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 29 Votes: 51.72% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 10 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 28 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 8 Votes: 37.50% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 27 Votes: 59.26% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 16 Votes: 81.25% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 21 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 23 Votes: 47.83% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 42 Votes: 61.90% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 61 Votes: 52.46% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 82 Votes: 63.41% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 174 Votes: 58.62% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 414 Votes: 52.42% Annoying