Vatican City, 27 May 2016 – Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolences to Bishop Francesco Beschi of Bergamo, Italy, for the death at the age of 100 of Cardinal Loris Francesco Capovilla, memory of Vatican Council II and papal delegate to the Holy House of Loreto.

The Holy Father expresses his condolences to the entire diocesan community, of which the cardinal "felt himself to be a living part", to the women religious of the Poor Sisters of Ca' Maitino in Sotto il Monte who "lovingly cared for him", and to his family, friends and those who held him in high esteem.

"I think with affection of this dear brother who during his long and fruitful existence gave joyful witness of the Gospel and meekly served the Church, first in the diocese of Venice, and then with thoughtful affection beside Pope St. John XXIII, of whose memory he was a zealous custodian and able interpreter. In his episcopal ministry, especially in Chieti-Vasto and Loreto, he was always a pastor fully dedicated to the good of the priests and all the faithful, with steadfast fidelity to the compass of Vatican Council II. I raise a prayer to the Lord that, by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Mark the Evangelist, He may welcome this faithful servant in eternal joy and peace, and I impart my heartfelt apostolic blessing to those who mourn the late cardinal's passing."