In a telegram, the Pope sent upon learning of the death of Professor Mario Agnes, who also served as the National President of Italain Catholic Action, to his family in Rome, Francis lamented the passing away of the 86-year-old.
Assuring Professor Agnes’ relatives of his prayers, the Pope prayed that «the Risen Lord may receive the late Professor in His glorious Kingdom,» and imparted on them and all who mourn his death, his Apostolic Blessing.
Below is a Zenit-provided translation of the telegram of condolences Pope Francis sent this morning:
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Professor Salvatore Agnes
Via dei Decii
00153 Rome
Having learnt the news of the death of Professor Mario Agnes, former National President of Italian Catholic Action and Director Emeritus of L’Osservatore Romano, I express to you and to all the family my personal condolences. I wish, in particular, to recall with gratitude his commitment in the Catholic laity and especially his generous and long service in the Direction of the Holy See’s newspaper. While I assure you of my prayer, that the Risen Lord may receive the late Professor in His glorious Kingdom, I impart to you and to all those that mourn his death the Apostolic Blessing.
FRANCISCUS PP.
[Original text: Italian] [ZENIT’s translation by Virginia M. Forrester]