Full text: Papal condolences for passing of Card. Bevilacqua

Please find, below, the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's telegram to the Archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles Chaput, expressing condolences for the passing of the Archbishop emeritus, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua.

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To the Most Reverend Charles Chaput
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Having learned with sadness of the death of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia, I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and to all the faithful of the Archdiocese. I join you in commending the late Cardinal=s soul to God, the Father of mercies, with gratitude for his years of episcopal ministry among Christ=s flock in Philadelphia, his longstanding commitment to social justice and the pastoral care of immigants, and his expert contribution to the revision of the Church=s law in the years following the Second Vatican Council. To you, and to all the clergy, religious and laity of the Church in Philadelphia, and to the members of his family, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI