VATICAN CITY, JUNE 19, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent a telegram to express his sorrow over the death of Cardinal Angelo Felici.
Cardinal Felici, who died on Sunday at the age of 87, served as the prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes (1988-1995) and president of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei (1995-2000)
In a telegram sent to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and to Bishop Vincenzo Apicella of Velletri-Segni, the Pope said he "received with sadness the news of the passing of dear Cardinal Angelo Felici."
The Holy Father expressed "lively sentiments of intense sorrow as he remembered with gratitude the precious collaboration he gave for many decades to the Holy See."
"I offer up fervent prayers of suffrage that the Lord will welcome him with joy and eternal peace," he continued.
The messages ends by granting to all who share in the sorrow of the cardinal's passing the "comforting apostolic blessing."
Benedict XVI presided over the Italian cardinal's funeral today in St. Peter's Basilica.
The College of Cardinals is currently made up of 183 cardinals, of which 105 are eligible to vote in a conclave.
ZE07061910 - 2007-06-19