The following is the telegram of condolences for the death yesterday in Hartford, in the United States of America, of His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, of the Title of Sant’Apollinare alle Terme Neroniane-Alessandrine (diaconate elevated pro hac vice to presbyteral Title), Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, sent by the Holy Father Francis to his sister, Ms. Geneviève Dubert:

Telegram of the Holy Father

Madame Geneviève DUBERT

Having learned with sadness the death of your brother, His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, I wish to express my condolences and my union in prayer with the members of your family and all those in mourning. Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, whom I entrust to God’s mercy, has profoundly marked the life of the universal Church. He joined the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See and was able, inter alia, to serve as Secretary for Relations with States. Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, he was an advisor who was listened to and appreciated, especially due to the relations of trust and esteem he knew how to build with the Muslim world. Because of his sense of service and his love for the Church, I appointed him Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. I have fond memories of this man of profound faith who courageously served Christ’s Church to the end, despite the burden of ill-health. May the Lord welcome His servant in His peace and endless joy. As a pledge of comfort, I send my Apostolic Blessing to you, Madam, and to all your family, the College of Cardinals, and all the relatives of the deceased Cardinal, pastors and faithful of the archdiocese of Bordeaux, and all those who will take part in the funeral celebration.