CARDINAL TZADUA GAVE PROOF OF SANCTITY OF LIFE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2003 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Basilica John Paul II presided at the funeral of Cardinal Paulos Tzadua, archbishop emeritus of Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, who died in Rome on December 11 at age 82. The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the college of cardinals, along with other cardinals.

In his homily, the Pope said that the deceased cardinal was 'a zealous priest and bishop who gave his life for Christ and His Church. ' In imitating Our Lord, he become a servant to his brothers and sisters, putting the qualities that were given to him, as well as the vast knowledge gained through study, at their disposition especially in the field of law. However, beyond his pastoral work, above all he gave of himself, always giving proof of his holiness and constant apostolic zeal.'

'We will remember him as a generous and active pastor from that portion of the Church that is in Africa. ' The people of God are in debt to him for his special concern for the laity to whom he always expressed great attention for their vocation, in line with the teachings of Vatican Council II.'

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