Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Condolences to Montreal

Early this morning in Montreal (Canada), His Eminence, Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop emeritus of that Archdiocese, died. Cardinal Turcotte had been hospitalized just before Easter since he was suffering from complications brought on by diabetes.

Having heard of the Montreal Prelate's death this morning, the Holy Father sent the following telegram of condolence to the current Archbishop of Montreal: His Excellency, Christian Lepine.


Telegram of Condolence sent by His Holiness, Pope Francis
to His Excellency, Christian Lepine
Archbishop of Montreal

Learning the sad news of the death of Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, Archbishop emeritus of Montreal, I express my heartfelt condolences to you and to the members of his personal as well as his former diocesan family.  As we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, I entreat Him to  welcome into the light of eternal life this faithful pastor who has served the Church with devotion not only within his diocese but also at the National level as President of the Episcopal Conference of Canada, as well as a well-respected member of various Roman Dicasteries.

A zealous pastor, and attentive to the challenges facing the modern Church, he actively participated in the 1994 Synod of Bishops on Consecrated Life and its mission in the Church and in the world, and he was one of the key contributors to the 1997 Synod on the Americas.

As a measure of comfort, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing to you and to the family of the deceased Cardinal, as well as to those who were dear to him, the faithful of his former Archdiocese of Montreal and to all those who will participate in the celebration of his Funeral Mass.

Francis

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