The Holy Father has sent a message of condolences to Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz Braña, auxiliary vicar of Opus Dei, for the death last night in Rome, at the age of 84, of Msgr. Javier Echevarría Rodríguez, bishop prelate of Opus Dei. The following is the Pope’s message:

“Upon receiving the sad news of the unexpected  death of Msgr. Javier Echevarría Rodríguez, bishop prelate of Opus Dei, I wish to convey to you and all members of this Prelature my most heartfelt condolences, at the same time uniting with you in your gratitude to God for his paternal and generous witness of priestly and episcopal life. The example of St. Josemaría Escrivá and Blessed Álvaro del Portillo, whom he succeeded in leading all this family, giving his life in a constant service of love to the Church and to souls.

I raise to the Lord a fervent prayer for the repose of this faithful servant of His, that He welcome him in His eternal joy, and commend him with affection to the protection of our Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, on whose feast day he gave his soul to God. With these sentiments, and as a sign of faith and hope in the risen Christ, I impart to all the comfort of my apostolic blessing”.