Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk

Willem Jacobus Eijk was born in Duivendrecht (Diocese of Haarlem) on June 22, 1953. After completing his medical studies at the University of Amsterdam, he entered the Major Seminary of the Diocese of Roermond at Rolduc, where he pursued philosophical and theological studies. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Roermond on June 1, 1985. From 1985 to 1987, he served as an assistant pastor at St. Anthony’s parish in Blerick/Venlo while simultaneously completing his medical studies and obtaining a doctorate from the University of Leiden. In 1989, he earned a doctorate in moral philosophy from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and in 1990, a Licentiate in Theology in Rome. From 1990 onwards, he taught moral theology at the major seminaries of Rolduc and 's-Hertogenbosch, while also serving as Prefect of Studies at Rolduc. From 1994 to 1995, he was the Dean of the "Mater Ecclesiae Domesticae" (MEDO) Institute for Family Studies in Rolduc. From 1996 to 1999, he served first as a lecturer and then as a professor of moral theology at the Theological Faculty of Lugano, while continuing to teach at the major seminary in Rolduc. From 1997 to 1999, he was a member of the International Theological Commission. On July 17, 1999, he was appointed Bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden. He received episcopal consecration on the following November 6. He is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life.