Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo, Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon, Portugal, was born on 26 February 1936 in Alvorninha, Portugal. He was ordained on 15 August 1961 for the Patriarchate of Lisbon and holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.

He was director of the seminary in Penafirme, rector of the seminary in Olivais and dean of the Theological Faculty of the Portuguese Catholic University. He later served two terms as rector of the same university (1988-96). He is the author of a number of books and scholarly articles.

On 26 May 1978 he was appointed titular Bishop of Caliabria and Auxiliary of Lisbon, receiving episcopal ordination on 29 June. 

On 5 March 1997 he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lisbon and succeeded Cardinal António Ribeiro as Patriarch on 24 March 1998. 

He was also Grand Chancellor of the Portuguese Catholic University. 

He was elected President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference in April 1999 and served until June 2005. On 3 May 2011 he was re-elected President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference.

Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon, 18 May 2013.

He participated in the conclave of April 2005, which elected Pope Benedict XVI and in the conclave of March 2013, which elected Pope Francis.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by St. John Paul II in the consistory of 21 February 2001, of the Title of S. Antonio in Campo Marzio (St. Anthony in Campo Marzio).

Cardinal José da Cruz Policarp died on 12 March 2014.