Rafael Merry del Val, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Rafael Merry del Val

Spanish cardinal and diplomat.

Date of Birth: 10-Oct-1865

Place of Birth: London

Date of Death: 26-Feb-1930

Profession: diplomat, Catholic priest

Nationality: Spain

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Rafael Merry del Val y Zulueta, (10 October 1865 – 26 February 1930) was a Spanish Roman Catholic cardinal. Before becoming a cardinal, he served as the secretary of the papal conclave of 1903 that elected Pope Pius X, who is said to have accepted his election through Merry del Val's encouragement.
Pius X later appointed him as the Cardinal Secretary of State.
Merry del Val's writings and example prompted greater popularity for the Litany of Humility, which was for some decades incorrectly attributed to him.
He was greatly responsible to restoring the privileges to Hispanic countries, which honor him for the devotions and traditionalist practices he fostered by personally signing and executing their petitions to the Holy Office.
A cause for his canonization was opened in 1953 at the behest of Pope Pius XII.
He now has the title Servant of God.