Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Death of Cardinal Antonetti

Early this morning, Cardinal Lorenzo Antonetti, former President in charge of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, and Pontifical Delegate for the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, was called home to the Father's House.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis sent a telegram this morning to His Excellency, Franco Giulio Brambilla, Bishop of Novara, Italy:

Lorenzo Cardinal Antonetti

To His Excellency, the Most Reverend
Franco Giulio Brambilla
Bishop of Novara

Upon learning the sad news of the death of the venerable Cardinal Lorenzo Antonetti, I wish to express sentiments of condolence to all the members of your diocesan community, who count him among their most illustrious sons, and also to his nephew Mario, to other members of his family and to all those who knew and loved him.  I remember the late Cardinal who, for many years was a diligent employee of the Holy See, in particular as a Pontifical Representative in various countries, in the Secretariat of State, then as President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See and finally as Pontifical Delegate for the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, where he exemplified fervent testimony to priestly zeal and loyalty to the gospel.  While raising fervent prayer to the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, asking that the deceased Cardinal be accorded the eternal reward promised to the disciples, I willingly impart to Your Excellency, to the presbyterate and to all those who are united in grief for their beloved Cardinal, an especially comforting Apostolic Blessing.

Francis, Pope

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