Pope Francis sent a message of condolence to the family of Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini, who passed away on November 22. Cardinal Angelini, who was 98 years old, was the President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Healthcare Workers.
In his telegram, the Pope expressed his “profound sympathy” to the late Cardinal’s family as well as his home diocese of Rome, of which, he noted, “he was a distinguished son.”
“I recall with affection this dear and esteemed pastor, who exercised his long and intense ministry for the edification of the Church in Rome, in the world, primarily from within Catholic Action, then with praiseworthy Apostolic ardor in the hospitals and nursing homes in Rome, and finally as president of the Pontifical Council for Healthcare Workers,” the Pope wrote.
Concluding his message, the Pope said he raised fervent prayers for the deceased prelate and offered to those who mourn his “comforting Apostolic blessing.”
Cardinal Angelini’s funeral will take place this afternoon in St. Peter’s Basilica and will be presided by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals. After the Eucharistic celebration, the Pope will preside over the Rite of Committal.
