Pope’s condolences for death of Italian Cardinal Luigi Poggi
(May 05, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday expressed his condolences on hearing
the sad news of the death of Italian Cardinal Luigi Poggi . The 92-year-old Cardinal
passed away on Tuesday morning. Cardinal Poggi worked at the Vatican from 1945 until
his retirement in 1988. In a condolence message to the late Cardinal’s brother
and sister, the Pope expressed his sympathy and his prayerful nearness to all
those who knew him. The Pope praised the dedicated service of the Cardinal as collaborator
of the Holy See, particularly as Apostolic Nuncio in various countries, and as
an archivist and Librarian of the holy Roman Church. With the death of Cardinal
Poggi, the College of Cardinals now stands at 179 members, 108 of whom are under
age 80 and therefore, eligible to vote in a conclave.