Pope Francis Sends Condolences Message on Spanish Cardinal's Death

Pope Francis sent a condolence telegram upon hearing of the death of Cardinal Ricardo Maria Carles Gordó who passed away this morning at the age of 87.

The Archbishop Emeritus of Barcelona was admitted into a hospital on November 22nd after suffering a stroke.

In the telegram, which was sent to Cardinal Luis Martinez Sistach, Archbishop of Barcelona, the Holy Father offered prayers for the eternal repose of the late cardinal’s soul.

Cardinal Gordó, he wrote, “exercised his episcopal ministry with apostolic diligence, first as bishop of Tortosa and then in the beloved archdiocese of Barcelona, pursuing the task of evangelization with wisdom and generosity, and tirelessly encouraging many pastoral initiatives, demonstrating great closeness to priests, to consecrated life and to seminarians, to whom he dedicated special attention.”

Pope Francis concluded his message by recalling Cardinal Gordó’s service to the Church and offered his condolences to his family and the faithful of the archdiocese.

Archbishop Carlos Osoro of Valencia also expressed his “sadness and emotion” upon hearing of the Cardinal’s death, while noting the cardinal’s “passion for the Church.” In an interview with AVAN news agency, Archbishop Osoro stated that Cardinal Gordó’s “simplicity brought him close to everyone since he was a man that never gave himself importance and would always be close to people.”