VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 28, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his condolences at the death of the first metropolitan archbishop of Lusaka, Zambia, through a telegram sent to his successor and religious community.
The Pope sent the telegram after hearing of the death this morning of Jesuit Cardinal Adam Kozlowiecki, 96.
The Holy Father's telegram is addressed to Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, and said, "Having learned with sorrow of the death of Cardinal Adam Kozlowiecki, S.J., I offer heartfelt condolences to you and all the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, together with the members of the Society of Jesus."
It continued: "Recalling with gratitude the first archbishop of Lusaka's selfless years of zealous episcopal and missionary service, unwavering commitment to the spread of the Gospel and service to the universal Church, I join you in praying that God our merciful father will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome his noble soul in to the joy and peace of his eternal kingdom.
"To all assembled for the solemn Mass of Christian burial, I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord."
Adam Kozlowiecki was born in Poland in 1911. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1929, and during the Second World War was arrested with 24 of his Jesuit brothers and sent to Auschwitz and Dachau.
When he was liberated at the end of the war, he was sent to the missions, and was made the first archbishop of Lusaka in 1959.
After Zambia received independence, Archbishop Kozlowiecki appealed various times to the Holy See to name a prelate of African origin. Pope Paul VI granted his wish in 1969 and allowed the archbishop to retire. He stayed in Zambia working as a simple missionary.
In 1998, Pope John Paul II elevated him to cardinal, in recognition of his life spent at the service of the Church.
ZE07092808 - 2007-09-28