Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolences to Cardinal Jean-Pierre Kutwa, archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, following the death of Cardinal Bernard Agre, archbishop emeritus of Abidjan. The cardinal died on Monday in Paris at the age of 88.
In his text, the Pope expressed his sadness and recalled “this faithful pastor who, during a long and fruitful episcopate, served the Church with faith and generosity.”
He added, “With his intense pastoral activity, the late cardinal was a man of God, devoted to the proclamation of the Gospel and the human and spiritual development of the people.”
Cardinal Agré was considered one of the most distinguished figures of the Church in Africa.
Even as a retired archbishop, he still actively worked toward advancing Africa’s development, evidenced by his pushing to establish a solid communications network there, particularly through television.
Funeral plans for the cardinal have not been announced. (D.C.L.)
