The Rev.Billy Graham, a fiery Baptist preacher who was easily the most famous evangelist of the 20th century and for decades one of the world figures most admired by Americans, died early Feb. 21 at his home in Montreat, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Associa- tion. He was 99.
He had suffered from Parkin- son’s disease for many years,
although he continued to lead crusades until 2005, when he held his last one in New York. In recent years, he also suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments.
Graham welcomed represen- tatives of other denominations, including Catholics, to attend his crusades. In many places local Catholic authorities welcomed him and formed pastoral follow- up programs to welcome lapsed Catholics who were prompted by the preacher to return to the church. In 1964, Card. Richard J. Cushing of Boston said that no Catholic who heard Graham preach “can do anything but become a better Catholic.”
