Pope Francis has sent his condolences for American Cardinal William Henry Keeler, who many consider to be a defender of life and interreligious dialogue. The Archbishop Emeritus of Baltimore, died yesterday at 86.
In his telegram sent today to the current Archbishop of Baltimore, the Pope wrote, «Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal William H. Keeler, I offer heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the archdiocese.»
The Pope also recalled the late cardinal’s contributions to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and his leadership in the US Church.
«I join you,» Pope Francis’ telegram concluded, «in commending the soul of this wise and gentle pastor to the merciful love of God our heavenly Father. To all who mourn the late Cardinal in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord.»
Ordained a priest on July 17, 1955 in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Rome, he took part as an expert in the works of Vatican Council II, reported Vatican Radio.
He was consecrated Bishop in 1979, as auxiliary of the Diocese of Harrisburg, which he then led from 1983. Six years later, he became Archbishop of Baltimore (1989-2007). In 1992, he was elected president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, an office he held until 1995.
Very active in the realm of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, in 1994 he was appointed member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. He was committed in the field of evangelization and Catholic education. Strong, also, was his commitment in defense of life, of the family, and of the homeless. John Paul II elevated him to Cardinal in the Consistory of November 26, 1994, of the titular church, Santa Maria degli Angeli.
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To the Most Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore
Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal William H. Keeler, I offer heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese. With gratitude for Cardinal Keeler’s years of devoted episcopal ministry in the local Churches of Harrisburg and Baltimore, his years of leadership within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and his long-standing commitment to ecumenical and interreligious understanding, I join you in commending the soul of this wise and gentle pastor to the merciful love of God our heavenly Father. To all who mourn the late Cardinal in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord.
FRANCISCUS PP.
