Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor dies at 85

The former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor has died at the age of 85, the Roman Catholic Church says.

Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor had been seriously ill since his health took a "defining turn" in August.

He became the 10th Archbishop of Westminster in March 2000 and retired from the role in 2009.

As archbishop, he was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Born on 24 August 1932 in Reading, Berkshire, Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor was one of six children. Three of his five brothers became priests while another played rugby for Ireland.

The current Archbishop of Westminster had led calls for prayers for the cardinal after he became ill last month.

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