(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 01.18.2024).- In an emotional ceremony held on Wednesday, January 17, Pope Francis presided over the rite of the «Ultima Commendatio» and the «Valedictio» at the conclusion of the funeral service for Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani, the emeritus president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, who passed away on the night of Tuesday, January 16, at his residence in Rome.
The funeral liturgy was led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re. Among those present were the cardinal’s brother, Luciano, some family members, and the Mexican sisters of the Family of Corde Jesu congregation, who accompanied the late cardinal for the last 23 years. The cardinal’s ashes will be buried in the municipal cemetery of Ascoli Piceno.
The ceremony was attended by 9 bishops, including Archbishop Luciano Russo, secretary of the Section for the Diplomatic Personnel of the Holy See, and 19 cardinals, including Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Fernando Filoni, who approached the altar during the Eucharistic prayer. Also present were some monsignors, such as Joseph Murphy, sub-secretary of the Section for the Diplomatic Personnel of the Holy See, and Javier Domingo Fernández González, Head of Protocol, along with other members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.
In his poignant homily, Cardinal Re recalled the life and contributions of Cardinal Sebastiani, emphasizing his dedication to the Holy See and his service to the Church. The community mourns the loss of this distinguished ecclesiastical leader and expresses gratitude for his years of selfless service.
