The following is the telegram of condolences for the death of His Eminence Cardinal Godfried Danneels, of the Title of Sant’Anastasia, archbishop emeritus of Mechelen-Brussel (Malines-Bruxelles), military ordinary emeritus for Belgium, sent by the Holy Father Francis to His Eminence Cardinal Jozef De Kesel, archbishop of Malines-Bruxelles:

Telegram of the Holy Father

His Eminence
Cardinal Jozef De Kesel
Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussel (Malines-Bruxelles)

Having learned with emotion of the death of Cardinal Godfried Danneels, archbishop emeritus of Mechelen-Brussel, I send my deepest condolences to you and to his family, the Bishops of Belgium, the clergy, the consecrated persons and all the faithful affected by this mourning. This zealous pastor served the Church with dedication, not only in his diocese, but also at the national level as president of the Conference of Bishops of Belgium, while being a member of various Roman dicasteries. Attentive to the challenges of the contemporary Church, Cardinal Danneels also took an active role in various Synods of Bishops, including those of 2014 and 2015 on the family. He has been called to God at this time of purification and of walking toward the Resurrection of the Lord. I ask Christ, victor over evil and death, to welcome him in His peace and joy. As a pledge of comfort, I offer a special apostolic blessing to you and to the relatives of the deceased Cardinal, the pastors, the faithful and all those who will take part in the funeral.

FRANCISCUS P.P.