Lourdusamy was the elder brother of the priest and theologian DS Amalorpavadass. The brothers played a significant role in the implementation of Vatican II Council reforms in India
He studied at Loyola College, Chennai and was sent to Rome to pursue higher studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical Urbaniana University where he obtained his doctorateHe obtained full marks in all his exams in Canon law studies, something which has never occurred in Roman universitiesHe was also awarded a doctorate of laws — 'Honoris Causa' (1979) by Adamson University, Philippines and a doctorate of letters - 'Honoris Causa' (1989) by Pondicherry UniversityPope Paul VI invited him to Rome to serve the Universal Church from 1971. He is the first Asian to become a member of the Roman CuriaHe was the special papal legate to the funeral of Mother Teresa. After hearing his report the Cardinals and Bishops of the CCS unanimously recognised the sainthood of Mother TeresaHe was fluent in several languages — Tamil, Latin, English, Italian, French, German, Kannada, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and Swedish. He played the piano and composed music for devotional songsCardinal Lourdusamy died in Rome on June 2, 2014. Pope Francis led the Rites of Final Commendation and ValedictionHis episcopal motto was Aedificare domum Dei which means 'To build the house of God'