Pope sends condolences upon death of Cardinal Cláudio Hummes

Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow upon learning of the death of Brazilian Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, the  Archbishop Emeritus of São Paulo  who passed away Monday at the age of 87.

In a telegram addressed to Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer,  the current head of the Archdiocese, the Pope assures him of his prayers for the eternal rest of his predecessor. 

Gratitude to God for his zealous service to the Church

He also expresses his deep gratitude to God  for Cardinal Hummes’  “dedicated and zealous service” in the various pastoral assignments entrusted to him  in Brazil, and in the Roman Curia , and for his commitment, in more recent  years, for the Amazon remarking that his pastoral woerk   was “always based on the values of the Gospel“.

The Holy Father further says  he still has a vivid memory of Cardinal Hummes’ words  on the day he was elected Pope, on March  13 2013, asking him  “not to forget the poor”.

Concluding Pope Francis  imparts  his Apostolic blessing to Cardinal Scherer and to all those praying for late Cardinal Hummes. 

The College of Cardinals

Following Cardinal Hummes death, the College of Cardinals currently consists of 207 Cardinals, of whom 116 are electors and 91 are non-electors.