József Szendi (31 October 1921 – 23 July 2017) was a Hungarian Roman Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Veszprém. His clerical career spanned the Second World War era, decades of pastoral and seminary work, and the social and political transition in Hungary at the end of the 20th century. At the time of his death he was widely reported as the oldest living Hungarian bishop.
Early life and priesthood
Szendi was born in Székesfehérvár, a city with long historical ties to the Hungarian church. He was ordained a priest on 24 December 1944. After ordination he served in parish ministry and later took on responsibilities for formation of clergy. From 1969 until 1982 he acted as the spiritual director (often called "spiritual") of the seminary in Esztergom, the principal ecclesiastical center in Hungary. In that role he guided seminarians in their spiritual life, retreats, and ongoing formation.
Episcopal appointments and consecration
On 5 April 1982 Szendi was named Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Veszprém and appointed titular bishop of Stephaniacum. He received episcopal consecration on 21 April 1982; the principal consecrator was Archbishop László Paskai, a leading figure in the Hungarian hierarchy. The title of apostolic administrator is customarily used when the Holy See places a prelate in temporary charge of a diocese or archdiocese pending a more permanent appointment.
Archbishop of Veszprém
Szendi was appointed archbishop of Veszprém on 3 September 1983 and led the archdiocese until his retirement on 14 August 1997. The Archdiocese of Veszprém is one of Hungary's historic sees, and during Szendi's tenure the local church navigated significant change: his period of governance covered the final years of state socialism in Hungary and the subsequent political transition after 1989. As archbishop he exercised pastoral care, oversight of clergy, and responsibility for sacramental and liturgical life in the archdiocese.
Key dates
- Born: 31 October 1921, Székesfehérvár
- Ordained priest: 24 December 1944
- Seminary spiritual of Esztergom: 1969–1982
- Appointed Apostolic Administrator and titular bishop: 5 April 1982
- Consecrated bishop: 21 April 1982
- Appointed Archbishop of Veszprém: 3 September 1983
- Retired: 14 August 1997
- Died: 23 July 2017 (aged 95)
Retirement, legacy and significance
After retiring in 1997 Szendi remained a respected figure in Hungarian ecclesiastical circles. He is remembered for his long service in priestly formation and for leading a major Hungarian archdiocese through a period of social change. His consecration by Archbishop László Paskai links him to a generation of Hungarian prelates who guided the Church through late communist and early post‑communist years. For further biographical details and records of his ministry see more on József Szendi.