Thursday, March 13, 2014

Condolences to Portugal

His Eminence, José de la Cruz Cardinal Policarpo, Patriarch emeritus of Lisbon (Portugal) died last night.  Today, the Holy Father, Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolence to the Patriarch of Lisbon and the President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, His Excellency, José Manuel Macário do Nascimento Clemente.


Message of Condolence sent by His Holiness, Pope Francis
to the Patriarch of Lisbon

His Excellency, the Most Reverend
José Manuel Macário do Nascimento Clemente
Patriarch of Lisbon and
President of the Portuguese Bishops' Conference
Quinta do Cabeço Moscavide 1885-076 Portugal

With regret, I received the news of the death of Cardinal José de la Cruz Policarpo, and I wish to express my union of prayer with the Patriarchy of Lisbon, the family of the deceased and with all those who are saddened by his unexpected death.  I trust in God`s mercy for the beloved Cardinal as I recall his precious collaboration in different aspects of the Holy See, in which I witnessed a true pastor who passionately sought the truth.  Whenever he was asked, he placed his God-given gifts at the service of God`s people and of his brother Bishops, especially during the years while he served as President of the Bishops' Conference.

I give thanks to God the Father for his Episcopal ministry, through which he lavished generosity on those he served, finding ways to guide the people entrusted to his care in the ways of the Gospel, with the same zeal that characterized his previous service to the Church, including at the Catholic University of Portugal.

I entrust to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Protection, all those who mourn his death, including Your Excellency, all those who assist you in your ministry and all the faithful of the Patriarchate.  To all those who will participate at the celebration of the Funeral liturgy, I willingly extend the comfort of my Apostolic Blessing.

Francis

The Holy Father's telegram was also accompanied by a separate message sent by the Cardinal Secretary of State, His Eminence, Pietro Parolin to his confrere, the Patriarch of Lisbon.


Message of Condolence sent by His Eminence, Pietro Cardinal Parolin
Secretary of State
to the Patriarch of Lisbon

Deeply saddened by the death of Cardinal José de la Cruz Policarpo, I offer my sincere condolences to Your Excellency, extending them equally to your Auxiliary Bishops, priests, Religious and the laity of the Patriarchate of Lisbon, and to the Bishops and faithful of all the Churches of Portugal.

I am united with you in this moment, trusting in the mercy of our heavenly Father, that this zealous pastor who, with great wisdom and generosity, served both the people of Portugal and those of the Universal Church, and pray that your exemplary ministry of faithfulness to the gospel may inspire all Christians to enliven their own dedication to building the Kingdom of God in truth and charity.

Pietro Cardinal Parolin
Secretary of State

No comments: