Pope Sends Condolences for Death of Cardinal Biffi

Pope Francis has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Archbishop Emeritus of Bologna, Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, who died early Saturday at the age of 87 after battling health issues.

In a telegram sent the same day to the current archbishop of the Italian city, Cardinal Carlo Caffara, during the Pope's Apostolic Visit to Latin America, July 5-13, Francis expressed his deep sympathy to the diocese and to all loved ones of Cardinal Biffi.

Born in 1928, Giacomo Biffi would go on to serve as Archbishop of Bologna from 1984 to 2003. In 1985, he had been elevated to cardinal. The late cardinal's funeral is taking place this morning in Bologna's main cathedral and its Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Caffara.

The Pope's telegram noted, "I learned with sadness of the death of Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, after long illness,' and how he thinks 'with affection of this dear brother in the episcopate, who served the Gospel with joy and wisdom and loved the Church." He also recalled the late cardinal's years of intense pastoral work, especially as a priest and auxiliary bishop in Milan, and his 'tireless service.'

The Pope's message concluded, praying to Mary that the late Cardinal be welcomed into Heaven and imparting his Apostolic Blessing.

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