Pope Sends His Telegram to Manila

(August 1, 2009) His Eminence Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales Archbishop of Manila
The Holy Father was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Corazon Aquino and he asks you to convey to her family and the Government authorities his heartfelt condolences and the assurance of his prayers for her eternal rest. Recalling President Aquino=s courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people, her firm rejection of violence and intolerance, and her contribution to the rebuilding of a just and cohesive political order in her beloved homeland, His Holiness commends her noble soul to the eternal mercies of God our heavenly Father. He likewise remembers her as a woman of deep and unwavering faith and thus he prays that the same faith and hope which guided her life will now come to abundant fulfilment. Invoking upon all the Filipino people an outpouring of divine graces, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all taking part in the Mass of Christian Burial, as a pledge of consolation, strength and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.