Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) –
The Holy Father has sent a telegram of condolences to Cardinal
Agostino Vallini, his vicar for the diocese of Rome, for the death at
the age of 97 of Cardinal Giovanni Canestri, who was archbishop of
Genoa, Italy from 1987 to 1995. Originally from the diocese of
Alessandria, the late cardinal belonged to the clergy of Rome.
“The passing of the venerated
cardinal elicits in my heart profound emotion and sincere admiration
for an esteemed man of the Church who lived with humility and
devotion his long and fruitful priesthood and episcopate in the
service of the Gospel and of the souls entrusted to him. I recall
with gratitude his fervent ministry, first as a deputy priest during
the difficult war years in the outskirts of Rome, areas affected by
suffering and poverty; then as a parish priest in two populous
suburbs, intent on educating the young in particular in the joy of
faith. Upon being appointed as auxiliary bishop of Rome, he devoted
himself with apostolic intensity to the spiritual and material needs
of the people, while participating diligently in the work of Vatican
Council II. In his episcopal ministry in Tortona, then as vicegerent
and subsequently archbishop of Cagliari, and finally Genoa-Bobbio, he
demonstrated pastoral wisdom and generous attention to the needs of
others, reaching out to all with goodness and gentleness. I raise
fervent prayers that the Lord receive the late cardinal in eternal
joy and peace, and I bestow upon you and those who share in sorrow
the comfort of my apostolic blessing, with a special thought for the
Apostolic Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who lovingly cared
for him especially in these last years of his infirmity”.
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