TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF CARDINAL JOSE T. SANCHEZ

Vatican City, 9 March 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father has sent a telegram of condolence to Cardinal Ricardo. J. Vidal, archbishop emeritus of Cebu, Philippines, for the death of Cardinal Jose T. Sanchez, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy. Cardinal Sanchez died this morning in Manila at the age of 91.

In the text of his telegram Benedict XVI gratefully recalls "the late cardinal's dedicated service to the Lord as a priest and bishop in his native country, as well as our service together in the Roman Curia during the pontificate of Blessed John Paul II". The Pope commends Cardinal Sanchez's "noble soul" to the Lord and prays "that his witness will inspire others to dedicate their lives to the service of the Lord and His Holy Church, especially in the priesthood".