Pope: condolences for passing of Cardinal Sanchez

Below, please find the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's telegram of condolence to His Eminence Cardinal Ricardo, J. Vidal, Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu, on occasion of the passing of the Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy, cardinal José T. Sanchez.

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To His Eminence Cardinal Ricardo, J. Vidal,
Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu

Having learned with sadness of the death of cardinal José T. Sanchez, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy, I offer my condolences to you, the members of his family and to all those who will join you in the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial. As I recall with gratitude the late Cardinal’s dedicated service to the Lord as a priest and bishop in his native country, as well as our service together in Roman Curia during the Pontificate of Blessed John Paul II, I willingly join you in commending his noble soul to the Heavenly Father. I pray that his witness will inspire others to dedicate their lives to the service of the Lord and his Holy Church, especially in the priesthood. To all who mourn the death of Cardinal Sanchez in the hope of the Resurrection , I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in our lord Jesus Christ.