Pope’s condolence message on death of Italian Cardinal Saldarini

(April 19, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday expressed grief and prayers in a condolence message on hearing of the death of retired Cardinal Giovanni Saldarini, former archbishop of Italy’s northern city of Turin. The Pope’s condolence message addressed to Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin, expressed his spiritual closeness to the cardinal’s family and to the entire diocesan community. The Papal message remembered with gratitude the devoted and generous service rendered by the cardinal to the Church and rendered thanks to all those who assisted the ailing Cardinal in the last years of his life. Cardinal Saldarini was born in Cantu in the Archdiocese of Milan 11^th Dec. 1924. He was ordained priest 31^st May 1947 in Milan’s Cathedral and consecrated bishop in the same Cathedral 7^th December 1984 .He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in 28 June, 1991 by late Pope John Paul II .
The website of the Archdiocese of Turin said the cardinal’s funeral will take place on Wednesday evening (April 20 ) and the Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin.