Thursday, March 14, 2019

Condolences to Belgium

The Holy Father has sent a telegram to express his condolences at the death of Cardinal Godfried Danneels, Archbishop Emeritus of Mechelen-Brussel (Malines-Bruxelles), the Military Ordinariate of Belgium, which occurred this morning. 


Telegram of Condolence

Sent to His Eminence
Cardinal Jozef De Kesel
Archbishop of Malines-Bruxelles

Having learned of the death of Cardinal Godfried Danneels, Archbishop emeritus of Malines-Bruxelles, I send you, and his family members, my sincere condolences.  I extend these sentiments also to the bishops of Belgium, to the clergy, the consecrated men and women and to all the faithful who are mourning. 

This zealous Pastor served the Church with devotion not only in his diocese but also at the national level as President of the Belgian Conference of Bishops, and as a member of various Roman Dicasteries.  Attentive the the challenges facing the contemporary Church, Cardinal Danneels also played an active part in various Synods of Bishops, including the Synods of 2014 and 2015 on the family.

He has now been reunited with God during this intense time of purification and of journeying toward the Lord's Resurrection.  I ask Christ, the victor over sickness and death, to welcome him into his peace and joy.  As a sign of comfort, I send you a special Apostolic blessing, which I also extend to those who are close to the deceased Cardinal, to the pastors, the faithful and to all those who will participate at the celebration of his funeral.

Francis
(Original text in French)

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