Vatican City, Jun 5, 2010 / 18:47 pm
On Saturday, a telegram was sent on behalf of the Holy Father expressing his sorrow for the death of Bishop Luigi Padovese. The prelate, who was the apostolic vicar of Anatolia, was murdered in the Turkish city of Iskanderun on Thursday.
The telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, was sent to Archbishop Antonio Lucibello, apostolic nuncio to Turkey on Saturday. It read: "Deeply saddened by the murder of Bishop Luigi Padovese, apostolic vicar of Anatolia, the Holy Father asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences and the assurance of his closeness in prayer to the bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful of the Church in Turkey. He joins all of you in commending the noble soul of this beloved pastor to the infinite mercy of God our Father and in giving thanks for the selfless witness to the Gospel and resolute commitment to dialogue and reconciliation which characterized his priestly life and episcopal ministry.
The message concluded saying, “United with all who mourn Bishop Padovese in the hope which draws its certainty from the resurrection, His Holiness cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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