Pope Francis has sent his condolences for the death of Italian Cardinal Paolo Sardi.
In a telegram today July 14, 2019, the Pope sent upon learning of the death of the cardinal, he lamented his passing away, to his relatives.
«In the light of the Faith,» Francis wrote, «I render thanks to God for the edifying witness of the deceased Cardinal.»
Noting he put the greater part of his life at the service of the Holy See, the Holy Father observed that «with his priestly spirit, theological preparation, his gifts of ingenuity and of wisdom, applied to assiduous and discreet work, he made a valid contribution to the Magisterium of Saint Paul VI, John Paul I, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI.»
Stressing the deceased cardinal was a «good and faithful servant,» Francis noted: «We trust that, accompanied by the Virgin Mary, by Saints Peter and Paul and by the holy Bishop Guido of Acqui, he is welcomed in the eternal banquet of Heaven.»
Below is a Zenit working translation of the telegram of condolences Pope Francis sent this morning, followed by a brief English biography, courtesy of the Vatican:
***
In a telegram today July 14, 2019, the Pope sent upon learning of the death of the cardinal, he lamented his passing away, to his relatives.
«In the light of the Faith,» Francis wrote, «I render thanks to God for the edifying witness of the deceased Cardinal.»
Noting he put the greater part of his life at the service of the Holy See, the Holy Father observed that «with his priestly spirit, theological preparation, his gifts of ingenuity and of wisdom, applied to assiduous and discreet work, he made a valid contribution to the Magisterium of Saint Paul VI, John Paul I, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI.»
Stressing the deceased cardinal was a «good and faithful servant,» Francis noted: «We trust that, accompanied by the Virgin Mary, by Saints Peter and Paul and by the holy Bishop Guido of Acqui, he is welcomed in the eternal banquet of Heaven.»
Below is a Zenit working translation of the telegram of condolences Pope Francis sent this morning, followed by a brief English biography, courtesy of the Vatican:
***
Mr Pietro Angelo Sardi
Having learned the sad news of the departure of Cardinal Paolo Sardi, I express to you, to your wife and to all the relatives, as well as to the Diocesan Community of Acqui, my profound condolences. In the light of the Faith, I render thanks to God for the edifying witness of the deceased Cardinal, who put the greater part of his life at the service of the Holy See. With his priestly spirit, his Theological preparation, his gifts of ingenuity and of wisdom, applied to assiduous and discreet work, he made a valid contribution to the Magisterium of Saint Paul VI, John Paul I, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI. My prayer is associated to that of the numerous faithful that daily approach the altar of the Vatican Basilica, where he celebrated Mass. Faithful to his episcopal motto “Esto Vigilans,” Be Watchful, he was a good and vigilant servant. Therefore, we trust that, accompanied by the Virgin Mary, by Saints Peter and Paul and by the holy Bishop Guido of Acqui, he is welcomed in the eternal banquet of Heaven.
Francis
[Original text: Italian] [ZENIT’s working translation by Virginia M. Forrester]
Francis
[Original text: Italian] [ZENIT’s working translation by Virginia M. Forrester]
BIOGRAPHY:
Cardinal Paolo Sardi, was born on 1 September 1934 in Ricaldone, Piedmont, Italy.
He was ordained a priest on 29 June 1958. He holds a licentiate in theology and a degree in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, and law degree from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.
He taught moral theology in Turin until 1976, when he was called to Rome to work at the Secretariat of State in the first section for general affairs, coordinating the office which edits the Pope’s texts and speeches.
On 10 December 1996 he was named titular Archbishop of Sutri and Apostolic Nuncio with special duties. Pope John Paul II ordained him on 6 January 1997.
He served as Vice-Camerlengo of the Holy Roman church from 23 October 2004 until 22 January 2011. On 6 June 2009 he was nominated pro-patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and on 30 November 2010 he became Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Emeritus, November 2014.
He participated in the conclave of March 2013, which elected Pope Francis.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Benedict XVI in the consistory of 20 November 2010, of the Deaconry of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Via Tuscolana (Our Lady of Help in Via Tuscolana). Dead on 13 July 2019.
Cardinal Paolo Sardi, was born on 1 September 1934 in Ricaldone, Piedmont, Italy.
He was ordained a priest on 29 June 1958. He holds a licentiate in theology and a degree in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, and law degree from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.
He taught moral theology in Turin until 1976, when he was called to Rome to work at the Secretariat of State in the first section for general affairs, coordinating the office which edits the Pope’s texts and speeches.
On 10 December 1996 he was named titular Archbishop of Sutri and Apostolic Nuncio with special duties. Pope John Paul II ordained him on 6 January 1997.
He served as Vice-Camerlengo of the Holy Roman church from 23 October 2004 until 22 January 2011. On 6 June 2009 he was nominated pro-patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and on 30 November 2010 he became Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Emeritus, November 2014.
He participated in the conclave of March 2013, which elected Pope Francis.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Benedict XVI in the consistory of 20 November 2010, of the Deaconry of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Via Tuscolana (Our Lady of Help in Via Tuscolana). Dead on 13 July 2019.
