MANILA, Philippines – Pope Francis sent a telegram extending his condolences to the Archdiocese of Cebu on Wednesday, October 18, after the death of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

“Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, I extend my sincere condolences to you, and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Cebu,” Francis said Wednesday.

The Pope sent this telegram to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

“Joining with you in expressing profound gratitude for the late Cardinal’s untiring and devoted service to the Church, and for his constant advocacy of dialogue and peace for all the people in the Philippines, I commend his soul to the infinite love and mercy of our heavenly Father,” Francis said.

“As a pledge of consolation and hope in the Lord, to all who mourn his passing in the certain hope of the Resurrection, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing,” he added.

Born in Mogpog, Marinduque, the 86-year-old Vidal died shortly before 7:30 am on Wednesday. 

Like the Pope, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines also mourned the death of Vidal, whom Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo described as a “true servant-leader.”

Vidal’s wake is at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City. (READ: Cebuanos pay tribute to Cardinal Vidal) – Rappler.com