We mourn the loss of the former National Praeses of Kolping Brazil. It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Msgr. Paulo Link, who passed away today at the age of 86.
He led KOLPING Brazil for almost four decades, from 1973 to 2011, and played a significant role in its development. Through his tireless commitment, deep faith and great vision, he expanded the association throughout the country, strengthening social projects and promoting partnerships with dioceses and international organisations.
His work extended far beyond Brazil. Paulo Link was committed to expanding the activities of Kolping in all of Latin America – including Chile, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia – and even in Portugal. As a long-time member of the Board of Directors of KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, he was regularly involved in the association’s global work.
Paulo Link was born on 28 April 1939 as Wilhelm Willy Link. At the age of 20, he entered the seminary in Fulda, where he studied philosophy. He was then sent to Rome to study theology. He was ordained priest on 10 October 1965. He worked three years as a vicar in Germany. However, his missionary zeal made him leave everything behind and serve across borders. In 1971, he came to Brazil, where he took the name ‘Paulo’ – inspired by the Apostle Paul.
Paulo Link received numerous awards for his outstanding work, including the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2004), the Winfried Bonifácius Prize (2001), the ‘Lince’ trophy (2004) and the title of ‘Citizen of Carapicuíba’ (1994). In 1994, Pope John Paul II appointed him Monsignor.
General Praeses Msgr. Christoph Huber has extended his sympathy to KOLPING Brazil today: “Our deepest sympathy on the death of Padre Paulo! On my last visit, I was able to see him, but it was already clear then that he was on his way to his eternal home. I had planned to see him again next week, but we will now remember him in our prayers with gratitude and commend him to God’s mercy, which he proclaimed and witnessed to us and especially to you through his actions and his life.”
