The following is the full text of the telegram of condolences following the death yesterday, 23 March 2017, of His Eminence Cardinal William Henry Keeler, of the title of Santa Maria degli Angeli, archbishop emeritus of Baltimore, United States of America. sent by the Holy Father Francis to His Excellency William Edward Lori, archbishop of Baltimore.

Telegram from the Holy Father

To the Most Reverend William E. Lori

Archbishop of Baltimore

Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal William H. Keeler, I offer heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese. With gratitude for Cardinal Keeler’s years of devoted episcopal ministry in the local Churches of Harrisburg and Baltimore, his years of leadership within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and his long-standing commitment to ecumenical and interreligious understanding, I join you in commending the soul of this wise and gentle pastor to the merciful love of God our heavenly Father. To all who mourn the late Cardinal in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord.

FRANCISCUS PP.