Pope recalls Cardinal Amato’s “generous service” to the Gospel
Vatican news
Pope Francis offers his condolences for the death of Salesian Cardinal Angelo Amato, recalling the “priestly spirit” and “theological preparation” with which he undertook his work in the service of the Gospel and the Church.
By Vatican News journalists
In a telegram of condolences for the death of Cardinal Angelo Amato, Pope Francis recalled the “priestly spirit and theological preparation” with which the Salesian prelate served the Holy See.
“He spent himself with human finesse and generosity for the Gospel and the Church,” wrote Pope Francis, expressing his gratitude to God “for the edifying testimony of this spiritual son of Saint John Bosco.”
A good and watchful servant
Cardinal Angelo Amato, SDB, died on December 31, at the age of 86. After his ordination in 1967, Amato held various positions in the Salesian order. He was appointed secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by Pope John Paul II in 2002; then named prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints by Pope Benedict XVI. The same pontiff created Amato cardinal in 2010.
In his telegram, Pope Francis assured the Vicar of the Rector Major of the Salesians of his closeness with the members of the religious institute as well as with those close to Cardinal Amato. “I assure you of my prayers for the soul of this good and vigilant servant, who, faithful to his motto “Enough gratia mea” (“My grace is sufficient”), even in the last moments marked by suffering, abandoned himself to his heavenly Father,” the Pope wrote.
He added: “I hope that, accompanied by Mary Help of Christians and the saints and blessed whom he led to the glory of the altars, he will be received at the eternal banquet of heaven.”
Pope Francis to preside over final commendation ceremony
According to the Press Office of the Holy See, the requiem mass for Cardinal Amato will take place on Thursday, January 2 at the altar of the pulpit of Saint Peter’s Basilica, under the presidency of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College cardinals.
At the end of the Requiem Mass, Pope Francis will preside over the final commendation and farewells.
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