Here is a translation of the telegram of condolence on the death of the Cardinal, sent by the Holy Father Francis to the Archbishop of Ravenna-Cervia, H.E. Monsignor Lorenzo Ghizzoni.
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TO HIS MOST REVEREND EXCELLENCY
MONSIGNOR LORENZO GHIZZONI
PIAZZA ARCIVESCOVADO, 1
48121 RAVENNA
I learned with sorrow the sad news of the death of the Lord Cardinal Ersilio Tonini, Archbishop Emeritus of Ravenna-Cervia and in elevating fervent prayers to God that He grant eternal rest to this zealous and generous pastor, I unite myself spiritually to the grief of that diocesan community where he exercised the episcopal ministry with solicitude. I recall with admiration his fertile and manifold apostolic activity, first as a zealous presbyter of the Piacenza clergy, then as Bishop of Macerata and Tolentino and afterwards as a solicitous and kind Archbishop of that Archdiocese, animated by the desire to proclaim Christ through simple and incisive language as well as an authentic and coherent testimony of life to the men and women of our time.
In expressing my deepest condolences to you, to the clergy, to the religious communities and to all the faithful of that beloved Archdiocese, I impart from my heart the comforting Apostolic Blessing with a special thought for those who attended to him lovingly in these last years.
FRANCISCUS PP.
[Translation by ZENIT]
