The following is the telegram of condolences sent by the Holy Father to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, United Kingdom, for the death yesterday afternoon of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, of the title of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, archbishop Emeritus of Westminster:

Telegram of the Holy Father

Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster

Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster, I hasten to offer my heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese. Recalling with immense gratitude the late Cardinal’s distinguished service to the Church in England and Wales, his unwavering devotion to the preaching of the Gospel and the care of the poor, and his far-sighted commitment to the advancement of ecumenical and interreligious understanding, I willingly join you in commending his noble soul to the infinite mercies of God our heavenly Father. To all who mourn his passing in the sure hope of the Resurrection I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord.

                                                                       FRANCISCUS PP.