Pope Francis has written to Cardinal Vincent to offer his 'heartfelt condolences after the death of Cardinal Cormac.
In praising Cardinal Cormac's service to the Church in England and Wales, the Pope lauds the late cardinal's 'unwavering devotion to the preaching of the Gospel and the care of the poor, and his far-sighted commitment to the advancement of ecumenical and interreligious understanding'.
Pope Francis concludes by commending Cardinal Cormac's soul to the mercy of God and imparting his Apostolic Blessing.
The two men were elevated to the College of Cardinals at the same Consistory in February 2001.
In his message, Pope Francis writes:
To Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster
Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop emeritus of Westminster, I hasten to offer my heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese.
Recalling with immense gratitude the late Cardinal’s distinguished service to the Church in England and Wales, his unwavering devotion to the preaching of the Gospel and the care of the poor, and his far-sighted commitment to the advancement of ecumenical and interreligious understanding, I willingly join you in commending his noble soul to the infinite mercies of God our heavenly Father.
To all who mourn his passing in the sure hope of the Resurrection I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord.
FRANCISCUS PP
Photo: Mazur/Catholicnews.org.uk
