Pope sends condolences upon death of Cardinal Law

As is traditional upon the death of a Cardinal, the Pope sent a telegramme of condolence for the passing of Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, who died at the age of 86 after a long illness.

The Holy Father sent his message on Wednesday to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

“I raise prayers for the repose of his soul, that the Lord, God who is rich in mercy, may welcome him in His eternal peace,” the Pope wrote.

He also sent his Apostolic Blessing “to those who share in mourning the passing of the cardinal, whom I entrust to the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary Salus Populi Romani.”

Cardinal Law was the Archbishop of Boston (USA) from 1984 until his resignation in 2002.

He was then sent to Rome where he served as Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Funeral services

The Vatican’s Office of Papal Liturgical Celebrations said funeral services for Cardinal Law will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, 21 December.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano will preside over the Mass, while Pope Francis will celebrate the rites of Commendatio and Valedictio.

Please find below the English-language translation of the Pope’s telegramme:

Cardinal Angelo Sodano

Dean of the College of Cardinals

Vatican City

I have learned of the departure of Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, Archpriest emeritus of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and I wish to express my condolences to the College of Cardinals. I raise prayers for the repose of his soul, that the Lord, God who is rich in mercy, may welcome him in His eternal peace, and I send my Apostolic Blessing to those who share in mourning the passing of the cardinal, whom I entrust to the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary Salus Populi Romani.

FRANCISCUS PP.