British News Agency

Cardinal Duka, whose father served in the British Air Force during World War II, was one of the most influential religious leaders in the Czech Republic. During the communist era, he served as a dissident priest and was eventually imprisoned alongside playwright and future president Václav Havel.

After 1989, he played a key role in restoring the church’s place in Czech public life and became Archbishop of Prague in 2012. He led the church through difficult discussions over the restitution of properties confiscated during the communist period.

In recent years, however, Duka faced growing criticism for his increasingly outspoken views on public issues such as Russia and Muslim migration. Radio Prague International described him as “a divisive but decisive church leader.”

Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he respected “his courage and activities during the totalitarian era” and appreciated “his important role in renewing the church within democratic society.”

The Czech Republic’s new Prime Minister, billionaire Andrej Babiš, also paid tribute to Duka’s service, saying he had “contributed for many years to shaping the spiritual and social life of our country.”

Duka’s funeral is scheduled for November 15.