The following is the telegram of condolence from the Holy Father Francis to Bishop Peter Kohlgraf of Mainz, Germany, on the death on Sunday 26 March of His Eminence Cardinal Karl-Josef Rauber, of the deaconry of Sant’Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia:

Telegram of the Holy Father

HIS REVEREND EXCELLENCY

BISHOP PETER KOHLGRAF OF MAINZ

I HAVE LEARNED WITH SADNESS THE NEWS THAT THE LORD GOD HAS CALLED HIS SERVANT, CARDINAL KARL-JOSEF RAUBER, FROM THIS WORLD TO ETERNITY. HIS PRIESTLY AND EPISCOPAL LIFE WAS PARTICULARLY MARKED BY SERVICE TO THE SUCCESSOR OF PETER, "THE PERPETUAL AND VISIBLE PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION OF UNITY" (LUMEN GENTIUM, 23). THUS, THE DEPARTED CARDINAL WAS ABLE TO WORK WITH DEDICATION FOR THE UNITY OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD BOTH IN THE ROMAN CURIA AND IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD AS APOSTOLIC NUNCIO. AS A TRUE PASTOR OF THE CHURCH, HE WAS FILLED WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN ALL HIS ACTIONS, WHICH LED HIM NOT TO KEEP IT FOR HIMSELF, BUT TO PASS IT ON UNRESERVEDLY AND JOYFULLY TO MANKIND. MAY HE NOW FOREVER PRAISE THE MERCIFUL LOVE OF THE REDEEMER. I CORDIALLY IMPART THE APOSTOLIC BLESSING TO ALL THOSE WHO REMEMBER THE DECEASED CARDINAL IN PRAYER AND IN THE EUCHARISTIC SACRIFICE.

POPE FRANCIS