Pope remembers Cardinal Van Thuan

Vatican City, 06 July 2013: ‘The memory of Cardinal Van Thuan is still alive, and – more than a memory – is a spiritual presence that continues to bring his blessing!’ said Pope Francis on Saturday morning while meeting a delegation of officials, family and friends of the Servant of God, Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, the heroic Vietnamese cardinal who spent thirteen years in prison in his country before coming to Rome to head the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The delegation was visiting Rome in the context of the official closure of the diocesan phase of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan’s cause for beatification. Pope Francis remembered the Cardinal as a ‘witness to hope’ whose humility and priestly spirit touched countless lives.

The Pope said experience shows that his reputation for holiness has spread precisely through the testimony of so many people who met him and who preserve in their heart the memory of his gentle smile and the greatness of his soul.

Many came to know him through his writings, simple and profound, which reveal his priestly spirit, closely united to the One who had called him to be a minister of His mercy and His love. We thank the Lord for this venerable brother, son of the East, who ended his earthly journey in the service of the Successor of St. Peter.

We entrust the continuation of this cause to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, along with all other causes currently in progress, concluded Pope Francis. Source: VR Sedoc