Monday, November 20, 2017

Condolences to a grieving sister

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolence to Adriana Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo expressing his condolences at the death of her brother, Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, Archpriest emeritus of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls.


Telegram of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
at the death of Cardinal Montezemolo

To the Marquess
Adriana Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo

The death of your beloved brother, the venerated Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, arouses sentiments in my heart of sincere admiration for an esteemed man of the Church who faithfully lived his long and fruitful priesthood and Episcopacy in service to the gospel and to the Holy See.

I remember with gratitude, his generous work as a Pontifical Representative in various countries, especially in Papua New Guinea, Nicaragua, Honduras, Uruguay, Israel and Italy where he dedicated his wisdom to the good of the people of those countries.

Most recently serving as Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls, he bore witness to particularly fervent commitment and competence from the points of view of pastoral and organizational presence as well as artistic and cultural elements, aimed at restoring spiritual vitality to the entire complexity of a new approach to Ecumenical vocations carried out in that place of worship.

I raise fervent prayers for the repose of his soul, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary and of the Apostle to the Gentiles, the Lord may welcome this accomplished servant of his into eternal joy and peace, and I send my Apostolic benediction to you and to the other members of your family, as well as to those who share your sadness at the departure of this zealous shepherd.

Francis
(Original text in Italian)

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