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.