Antonin Scalia, the U.S. Supreme Court Justice who died on Saturday, received last rites from a Catholic priest at his Texas ranch where he passed away.
Elizabeth O’Hara is a spokeswoman for the Diocese of El Paso, Texas. She confirmed that Antonin Scala had, in fact, received the last rites. Reverend Mike Alcuino is the priest who administered them.
Justice Antonin Scalia received his last rites from a Texas priest https://t.co/IC6iiXAoLK
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 14, 2016
According to a report from the Christian Science Monitor, Antonin Scalia was known for dividing Americans with his “originalist readings,” but made up for it on most accounts with his charm. He was also known for separating his real life from his work, much to the delight of his family and friends.
Even though they typically disagreed on most things while on the bench, Antonin Scalia and fellow Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg enjoyed a lengthy friendship.
"We almost certainly will never see a justice like Antonin Scalia again" https://t.co/bJBJOka8ln via @nytopinion pic.twitter.com/it5vcIFQpY
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 14, 2016
“He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court,” President Obama said following his passing.
The last rites are administered to Catholics when death is imminent. Catholics believe they are properly reconciled with God once they have received this sacrament.
Hopefully those near and dear to Antonin Scalia take solace in the fact that the last rites were administered to him in his final hours.