“Abbe Pierre, a true witness of Christ” says Pope Benedict XVI’s condolence

(Tues.23 Jan,2007):- “Abbè Pierre worked all his life in the service of the poor. He was a true witness of the charity that comes from Christ,” said Pope Benedict XVI’s condolence telegram sent Tuesday. Abbè Pierre passed away Jan. 22 at the age of 94. The papal telegram was sent in the Pope’s name by Vatican Secretary of State – Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone, rendering homage to the memory of the Founder of the Emmaus Community. Abbè Pierre was the Founder of the first Emmaus shelter for the homeless in Paris 1949. Homage was also paid to Abbè Pierre by Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, chairman of the French Episcopal Conference. He said: "Abbè Pierre has gone to the Father. May God receive him now in the fullness of his love. Emmaus and Abbè Pierre's foundation will continue to act in his name, as poor housing conditions continue to be of concern.” Emmaus International has 327 communities spread over 39 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Thailand and Japan. Abbè Pierre, born Henri Groues in Lyon, was ordained a priest in 1938. With the French resistance during World War II, he operated under several different names, saving thousands of lives of both Jews and the politically persecuted, helping them to escape to Switzerland or Algeria.