The Jesuit cardinal was a specialist in canon law, author, and former rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University.
In the message sent to the superior general of the Society of Jesus, Father Adolfo Nicolás Pachón, the Pontiff expressed «feelings of deep sympathy» to the Jesuits and the to the family of the cardinal.
The Holy Father said he «always felt deep esteem» for Cardinal Navarrete, «both for his personal testimony of Christian and consecrated life, as well as for his exemplary service to the education of new generations, especially of priests.»
After recalling «the long and competent service rendered by the eminent jurist to the Pontifical Gregorian University and also to the Holy See,» Benedict XVI said he would pray so that the Lord would receive the cardinal «into the eternal kingdom of light and peace.»
Cardinal Navarrete was born in Camarena de la Sierra in 1920, and was ordained a priest in 1952. Had was created cardinal in 2007, at the age of 84. He was never consecrated a bishop and was one of the four non-bishop cardinals.
With his death, the College of Cardinals has 202 members, 121 of whom voters.
