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To His Most Reverend Excellency
Mons. Francesco Ravinale
Bishop of Asti
I learned with sadness the news of the death of the revered Cardinal Giovanni Cheli and wish to express feelings of heartfelt sympathy to his diocesan community, which counts him among its most illustrious sons, as well as to family members and to those who have known and esteemed him. I recall with gratitude the precious and attentive cooperation he offered for many decades to the Apostolic See in representing the Holy Father, and towards the Secretary of State, and later as an Observer of the Holy See at the United Nations, and finally as President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. He leaves behind the testimony of a life spent in coherent and generous adhesion to his vocation, as a priest solicitous towards the needs of the faithful, especially for the Christian formation of the youth. I raise fervent prayers of suffrage that the Lord may welcome into eternal joy and peace so zealous a pastor, faithful to the Gospel and the Church, and I bestow upon your Excellency, to the entire presbitery, and to all those who share their greif at his passing, the comforting Apostolic Blessing.
Benedictus PP. XVI
[Translation by Peter Waymel]
