Pope Francis: telegram of condolence for Card. Furno

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday sent a telegram of condolence to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, following the death on 9 December of Cardinal Carlo Furno at the age of 91.

Cardinal Furno spent many years in the diplomatic service of the Holy See, and also served as  Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

In his telegram to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Pope Francis recalls Cardinal Furno's long and valuable service to the Holy See, and asks that the Lord, through the intercession of Mary Salus Populi Romani, welcome the Cardinal into His eternal peace.

Please find the full text of Pope Francis' telegram in Vatican Radio's English translation, below

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I have learned the news of the departure of dear Cardinal Carlo Furno and wish to express to you and the entire College of Cardinals my sincerest condolences, recalling with a grateful heart his valuable contribution to the Holy See for many years, notably as Apostolic Nuncio, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major and Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. I offer fervent prayers of repose that the Lord, and the Patroness Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, welcome him into joy and eternal peace and I send to you and to all those who share the pain of the decease of one who has so merited  such a worthy cardinal, my Apostolic Blessing.

FRANCISCUS PP.