Pope praises work by late cardinal Margeot of Mauritius to promote the family

(July 18, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI praised the late Cardinal Jean Margeot for his dedicated promotion of the family. Cardinal Margeot, who was the retired bishop of Port Louis, Mauritius, died July 17 at the age of 93. His death leaves the College of Cardinals with 185 members, 113 of whom are under age 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave. In a telegram of condolence sent July 17, Pope Benedict expressed his sadness over the cardinal's death and called him a "passionate pastor who dedicated his whole life to the Mauritian people." The late cardinal was known for his commitment to evangelization and for being "at the service of defending and promoting the family," said the pope. He led a Catholic renewal on the tiny island-state in the Indian Ocean while carefully maintaining good relations with his Hindu and Muslim fellow citizens. As bishop of Port Louis, he was extremely active in the formation of the clergy, youths and catechists. He served as the first president of the Southwest Indian Ocean bishops' conference, which includes Madagascar, Reunion, Seychelles, Comores and Mauritius. He expressed his deep prayerful union with the Diocese of Port-Louis, with the family members of the deceased, and with all the people who are affected by the death of the Cardinal. Pope John Paul II made him the country's first cardinal in 1988.