Pope Francis on Vidal: I commend his soul

FILE: Pope Francis (Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Pope Francis sent a telegram to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma expressing his condolences over Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Cardinal Ricardo Vidal’s passing on Wednesday.

“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,” he said.

The Pope said that he is grateful of 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,” the Pontiff said.

He added, “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.”

Vidal passed away on Wednesday morning, a few days after being rushed to the hospital for pneumonia.

According to Archdiocese of Cebu spokesman Monsignor Joseph Tan, it was Palma that told him the news.

“It is confirmed. Our beloved Cardinal has returned to our Creator at 7:28 this morning,” Tan said.

Born in Marinduque, the late Cardinal was ordained as a priest in Lucena, Quezon province on March 17, 1956. It was in 1971 when he was ordained a bishop and was appointed coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Malolos.

Two years after, he was appointed as archbishop of the Lipa archdiocese in Batangas. A year after that, he was transferred to Cebu.

Vidal was the fourth Filipino to gain the Prince of the Church title when Pope John Paul II raised him to the Sacred College of Cardinals in 1985. He was also part of the conclave that elected Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI.