TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF CARDINAL BILLE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 13, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II sent a telegram of condolence to the diocesan administrator of Lyon, France, upon learning of the death yesterday at the age of 64 of Cardinal Louis-Marie Bille, archbishop of that archdiocese.

The Pope writes that the late cardinal was a "passionate servant of Christ, in Whom ... he placed his faith, and a passionate servant of the local churches entrusted to his pastoral care. In Laval, Aix-en-Provence, and later as Primate of Gaul, he gave himself entirely to the mission he received from the Lord. He knew how to break with simplicity the bread of the Word for the faithful, helping them to discover its richness. A man of exalted spirituality, attentive to promoting unity in all things and to serving the truth of the Gospel. He demonstrated tireless zeal in his role as president of the French Bishops' Conference. ... I would like to assure the faithful and clergy of the archdiocese of Lyon of my spiritual closeness in this painful moment, invoking God's grace upon them. I entrust the family and loved ones of Cardinal Bille, as well as the whole diocesan community of Lyon, to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Fourviere."

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