HOLY FATHER'S CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF CARDINAL LORENZO ANTONETTI

Vatican City, 11 April 2013 (VIS) – Following is the text of the telegram that the Holy Father Francis has sent to Bishop Franco Giulio Brambilla of Novara, Italy for the death yesterday at dawn of Cardinal Lorenzo Antonetti, president emeritus of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See and former delegate to the Patriarchal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Cardinal Antonetti was 90 years old.

“On hearing the sad news of the death of the venerable Cardinal Lorenzo Antonetti, I wish to express my sentiments of deep sympathy to this diocesan community, which counted him among its most illustrious sons, as well as to his nephew Mario, to his other family members and their respective families, and to all those who knew and esteemed him. I recall the lamented cardinal who was a zealous collaborator of the Holy See for many years, in particular as a pontifical representative in various countries, then as president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, and finally as delegate to the Patriarchal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: everywhere he was an appreciated witness of priestly zeal and fidelity to the Gospel. I pray fervently to the Lord Jesus that He, through the Virgin Mary, may give the late cardinal the eternal reward promised to his faithful disciples. I send you and all those who share the sorrow of his passing, the comfort of a special apostolic blessing."