Msgr Ly Chen-ying, admired theologian and philosopher, dies at 95

Last cleric to preside over Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei. He was secretary general of the Taiwanese Bishops' Conference. He published nearly 50 books. Remembered for his service to the Catholic Church and the academic community.

Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Msgr Ly Chen-ying, an admired theologian and philosopher, the last cleric to preside over the capital's Fu Jen Catholic University, has died at the age of 95. He died on 18 February at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chiayi, where he had been hospitalised for 10 years due to his precarious state of health.

The funeral will be held on 25 February, and will be officiated by the Bishop of Chiayi, Msgr. Norbert Pu. As reported by the local press, in yesterday's mass, Fr. Zhao Yongji emphasised Bishop Ly's commitment to the Church and his work as an educator.

Born in 1929 in Tianjin, mainland China, he was ordained a priest in Italy in 1955. After moving to Taiwan, he became secretary general of the diocese of Tainan and started teaching in several universities on the island. In 1970, he joined the diocese of Chiayi to take up the position of Secretary General of the Taiwanese Bishops' Conference.

President of Fu Jen Catholic University from 1992 to 1996, he retired for health reasons in 2013. Bishop Ly was an expert on Western and Eastern culture, and published nearly 50 books on theology and philosophy. He is remembered for his service to the Catholic Church and the academic community.

(Photo Taiwan News)

• taiwan taipei
• china
• catholic church
• mons. ly chen-ying
• chiayi
• fu jen catholic university