Pope Francis sends telegramme on death of Cardinal Meisner
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegramme upon the death of Cardinal Joachim Meisner, Archbishop emeritus of Cologne, who died on Wednesday at the age of 83.
“With profound emotion I learned that, suddenly and unexpectedly, Cardinal Joachim Meisner was called from this earth by the God of mercy,” the Pope wrote.
The Pope addressed his telegramme to Cardinal Rainer Woelki, current Archbishop of Cologne.
He said Cardinal Meisner was “dedicated to the proclamation of the Good News” with “profound faith and sincere love for the Church”.
“May Christ the Lord reward him for his faithful and intrepid efforts in favour of the good of people of East and West.”
Pope Francis closed the telegramme by imparting his Apostolic Blessing on all who “commemorate the late Pastor with prayers and sacrifices”.
With the death of Cardinal Joachim Meisner, the College of Cardinals stands at 224, 121 of whom are Cardinal electors.