Friday, May 27, 2016

Condolences to Bergamo

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolence to the Bishop of Bergamo (Italy) at the death of His Eminence, Loris Francesco Cardinal Capovilla, who once served as the private secretary to Cardinal Angelo Roncalli (the future Pope and now Saint John XXIII) while he was Patriarch of Venice.

Father Thomas Rosica, CSB conducted an interview with Cardinal Capovilla last year at his home in Bergamo.  He recalls the life of this great servant of the Church in an article that has been posted on the website of the Salt+Light Media Foundation.


Telegram of Condolence
sent by His Holiness, Pope Francis

To His Excellency, Francesco Beschi
Bishop of Bergamo

Having learned the news of the death of the venerated Cardinal Loris Francesco Capovilla, I wish to express my condolences to you, to the entire diocesan community - of which he always felt that he was an integral part - to the Poor Clare Sisters of Ca'Maitino in Sotto il Monte, who lovingly cared for him, to his family members, to his friends and to all those who were esteemed by the meritorious Cardinal.

I think affectionately of this dear brother who during his long and fruitful existence joyfully bore witness to the gospel and obediently served the Church, first in the Diocese of Venice, then with thoughtful affection alongside Pope Saint John XXIII whom he always zealously remembered and spoke about.  In his Episcopal service, especially in Chieti-Vasto and in Loreto, he was always a pastor, totally devoted to the good of his priests and the faithful entrusted to his care, a sign of solid faithfulness to the compass of the Second Vatican Council.

I offer my prayers to the Lord that, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saint Mark the Evangelist, He may welcome his faithful servant into glory and eternal peace, and with all my heart, I impart the Apostolic Benediction to all those who are saddened by his death.

Franciscus

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