Vatican
City, 1 September 2012
(VIS) - Today Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence to Cardinal
Angelo Scola, Archbishop of Milan, Italy, on the death yesterday of
Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, S.J., archbishop emeritus of that
diocese, at 85 years of age.
"I
received with sorrow", the Pope writes, "news of the death
of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, after a long illness that he lived
with serenity of spirit and complete trust in the Lord's will. I wish
to express, both to the diocesan community as well as the family
members of the lamented cardinal, my deepest sharing in their sorrow,
recalling affectionately this beloved brother who so generously
served the Gospel and the Church. I recall with gratitude his intense
apostolic work extended as religious dedication, this spiritual son
of St. Ignatius, experienced teacher, accredited Biblicist, and
appreciated rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University and the
Pontifical Biblical Institute as well as caring and wise archbishop
of this Ambrosian archdiocese. Also brought to mind is his competent
and fervent service given to the Word of God, opening the treasures
of Sacred Scripture more and more to the ecclesial community,
especially through his promotion of 'lectio divina'. I lift fervent
prayers to the Lord that, through the intercession of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, He may welcome this faithful servant and distinguished
pastor to the heavenly Jerusalem and I wholeheartedly impart the
consolations of apostolic blessing to all those who mourn his loss".
Likewise,
Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone sent a telegram to
Cardinal Scola expressing, in his name, in that of the secretariat of
state, and in that of the entire Roman Curia, deepest condolences on
the death of the cardinal who "witnessed and taught the primacy
of the spiritual life and, at the same time, the attentive listening
to the human being in its various existential and social conditions".
The secretary of state recalled Cardinal Martini as an "expert
and passionate scholar of Sacred Scripture, who knew how to teach it
to and meditate upon it with all those who make up the people of God
and all persons in search of truth".
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Respectful farewell to Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini. May the Giver of life grant him eternal bliss.
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