CARDINAL MARTINI: FAITHFUL SERVANT AND DISTINGUISHED PASTOR

Vatican City, 1 September 2012 (VIS) - Today Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence to Cardinal Angelo Scola, Archbishop of Milan, Italy, on the death yesterday of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, S.J., archbishop emeritus of that diocese, at 85 years of age.

"I received with sorrow", the Pope writes, "news of the death of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, after a long illness that he lived with serenity of spirit and complete trust in the Lord's will. I wish to express, both to the diocesan community as well as the family members of the lamented cardinal, my deepest sharing in their sorrow, recalling affectionately this beloved brother who so generously served the Gospel and the Church. I recall with gratitude his intense apostolic work extended as religious dedication, this spiritual son of St. Ignatius, experienced teacher, accredited Biblicist, and appreciated rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Biblical Institute as well as caring and wise archbishop of this Ambrosian archdiocese. Also brought to mind is his competent and fervent service given to the Word of God, opening the treasures of Sacred Scripture more and more to the ecclesial community, especially through his promotion of 'lectio divina'. I lift fervent prayers to the Lord that, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, He may welcome this faithful servant and distinguished pastor to the heavenly Jerusalem and I wholeheartedly impart the consolations of apostolic blessing to all those who mourn his loss".

Likewise, Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone sent a telegram to Cardinal Scola expressing, in his name, in that of the secretariat of state, and in that of the entire Roman Curia, deepest condolences on the death of the cardinal who "witnessed and taught the primacy of the spiritual life and, at the same time, the attentive listening to the human being in its various existential and social conditions". The secretary of state recalled Cardinal Martini as an "expert and passionate scholar of Sacred Scripture, who knew how to teach it to and meditate upon it with all those who make up the people of God and all persons in search of truth".