Cardinal Aurelio Sabattani Dies

Born in Casal Fiumanese, Italy, he was appointed by the Pope in 1991 as vicar general for Vatican City. He held that post until his retirement.

In a telegram of condolences, John Paul II described the cardinal as "a distinguished jurist, for so many years a solicitous collaborator of the Holy See." The Pope also expressed his appreciation for the deceased's witness of "fervent priestly zeal and fidelity to the Gospel."

The funeral service will be presided over by the Pope himself this Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica.

With the death, the College of Cardinals now has 168 cardinals, including 112 electors who could vote for a pope in a conclave.