The following is the telegram of condolence from the Holy Father to His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, O.F.M. Cap., of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the death on Sunday 11 July of His Eminence Cardinal Laurent Monsengwu Pasinya, metropolitan archbishop emeritus of Kinshasa, of the Title of Santa Maria “Regina Pacis” in Ostia mare:

Telegram of the Holy Father

To His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin AMBONGO BESUNGU

Archbishop of Kinshasa

KINSHASA

Having learned with sadness of the death of Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, archbishop emeritus of Kinshasa, I send my deepest condolences to you and to his family, to the auxiliary bishops and to the faithful of the dioceses of Inongo, Kisangani and Kinshasa, of which he was successively pastor. I ask the Father of all mercy to welcome into His peace and light this exegete, this man of science, this great spiritual man and this pastor intensely devoted to the service of the Church, wherever he was called. Attentive to the needs of the faithful, full of courage and determination, Cardinal Monsengwo devoted his life as a priest and bishop to the inculturation of the faith and to the preferential option for the poor. In this way, he embodied the prophetic mission of the Church. A man of justice, peace and unity, he was deeply involved in integral human development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cardinal Monsengwo was a great figure, authoritative and respected in the ecclesial, social and political life of the nation, and always committed to dialogue and reconciliation of his people. His contribution has been significant for the progress of the country. A faithful and close collaborator in recent years, he never ceased to contribute to the life of the universal Church. As a token of comfort, I impart my Apostolic Blessing to you, to the auxiliary bishops, to the priests, to the consecrated persons, to the family of the deceased Cardinal and his relatives, to the diocesan faithful and to all those who will attend the funeral.

FRANCISCUS PP.