The Pope's condolences on the death of Cardinal Daoud

2012-04-07
L’Osservatore Romano

The Syrian Cardinal H.B. Ignace Moussa I Daoud died at eight o'clock in the morning of Holy Saturday, 7 April in Rome. He was Prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches and Patriarch emeritus of Antioch for Syrians. When the Pope learned the news of his death, he remembered the deceased Cardinal in prayer and sent a telegram in French to H.B. Ignace Youssif II Younan, Patriarch of Antioch for Syrians. The following is a translation of the French text of the Pope's Telegram which was released on 7 April:

Learning with sorrow of the death of H.B. Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, Patriarch emeritus of Antioch for Syrians and Prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, I wish to express to you my union in prayer with your Patriarchal Church, with the family of the deceased Cardinal and with all those who are affected by this bereavement. In these days when we are celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord, as I remember the peoples of the region who are living through difficult moments, I ask him to welcome into his joy and peace the soul of this faithful Pastor who dedicated himself with faith and generosity to the service of the People of God. As a pledge of comfort, I warmly impart the Apostolic Blessing to you, Your Beatitude, as well as to the bishops, priests and faithful of the Patriarchate of Antioch for Syrians, to the members of the family of the deceased and to all those who will be taking part with hope at his funeral liturgy.

May the memory of the Lord's servant, Patriarch Ignace Moussa I, be eternal. Prayers for our Syriac brethren in their loss.