Pope Francis: Telegram of Condolence for Card. Terrazas

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis sent a telegram on Thursday Archbishop Sergio Alfredo Gualberti Calandrina of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, to express his condolences at the passing of Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, C.SS.R., Archbishop-emeritus of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, at the age of 79.

In the telegram, the Holy Father unites his prayers with those of the pastors, clergy and faithful of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, asking that the Lord grant light and peace to Cardinal Terrazas, who, “with the light of faith and the strength of hope, remained faithful to the ministry he received, and with generosity and courage devoted his life to the service of the Gospel, justice and peace.”

The Pope’s message goes on to invoke the maternal intercession of Our Lady and to promise Apostolic Blessing to all those mourning the loss.

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

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Deeply saddened by the death of dear Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, Archbishop Emeritus of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, I express my deepest condolences to the pastors, clergy and faithful of that diocese, joining with them fervent prayers that the Lord grant his peace for one who with the light of faith and strong hope remained faithful to the ministry he received, and with generosity and courage gave his life to serving the gospel, justice and peace. At this inevitably painful time so close to the mysterious coming of the hope of the Lord, I invoke the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary and cordially impart to those mourning this grievous loss, my Apostolic Blessing.

FRANCIS, PP