(04 May 10 – RV) On Tuesday Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolences to the
brother and sister of Cardinal Luigi Poggi on news of his death. He was 92 years old.
In
his telegram the Pope recalls Cardinal Poggis many years of service in the Holy See’s
diplomatic corps. He served as apostolic nuncio in central Africa during the 1960’s
and carried out missions to Eastern Europe during the pontificate of John Paul II.
In
1992, Cardinal Poggi was appointed Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church.
He was created Cardinal-Deacon on November 26, 1994. Upon reaching the maximum age
limit for voting in a conclave, Poggi resigned from his position in the Vatican Library
and Archives.
In his telegram Pope Benedict praises the late cardinal’s fervent
testimony priestly zeal and fidelity. The funeral for Cardinal Poggi will be held
Friday May 7th at 17.30 pm in St Peter’s Basilica. It will be presided
over by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals. At the end of the
liturgy, Pope Benedict XVI will preside over the rites of UltimaCommendatio
and Valedictio.