PAPAL MESSAGE FOR DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP MARIO TAGLIAFERRI

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 1999 (VIS) - The funeral Mass for Archbishop Mario Tagliaferri, apostolic nuncio in France who died on May 21, was held yesterday morning in the church of Saint-Pierre de Chaillot in Paris. Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, archbishop of Paris officiated, and Archbishop Giovanni Battista Re, substitute for General Affairs, delivered a eulogy and read a message from Pope John Paul.

Following is the text of that message, written in French and published today:

"Having learned with great emotion of the death of Archbishop Tagliaferri, apostolic nuncio in France, I join in prayer all those who are grieving. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the members of the Conference of Bishops of France, with whom the deceased had deep ties, sharing the joys and difficulties of their pastoral ministry, as well as to all persons touched by this mourning. With ardor and generosity, Msgr. Tagliaferri worked selflessly for the mission, also showing his great love for Christ and for the Church, whose humble and devoted servant he was. I ask Our Father in heaven to welcome into eternal joy the soul of this zealous pastor. As a sign of spiritual comfort, I send my heartfelt apostolic blessing to the cardinals, bishops, priests, civil authorities and all the faithful who have joined in prayer for the farewell ceremony."

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