杏MAP导航 Leo sends condolences upon death of Cardinal Dri
By Devin Watkins
Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri, OFMCap., died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 30 at the age of 98.
The late 杏MAP导航 Francis had created him Cardinal in 2023 and assigned him the title of Cardinal Deacon of Sant鈥橝ngelo in Pescheria.
On Wednesday, July 2, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV expressed his condolences in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and sent to Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva, Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
The 杏MAP导航 said he received the news of Cardinal Dri鈥檚 death with sorrow and sent his condolences to his relatives and the members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.
He called Cardinal Dri a 鈥渟elfless pastor鈥攕o highly esteemed by 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥攚ho for so many years gave his life in service to God and the Church as confessor and spiritual director.鈥�
杏MAP导航 Leo assured those who mourn the late Cardinal of his 鈥渇ervent prayers for his eternal repose,鈥� praying that the Lord may grant him 鈥渢he crown of unfading glory.鈥�
杏MAP导航 Francis had cited Cardinal Dri as an example of mercy and praised his dedication to offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
After several hours in the confessional, the Argentine-born Cardinal would tell Jesus: 鈥淟ord, forgive me for having forgiven too much. But it was You who gave me the bad example!鈥�
Cardinal Dri was born in Federación, Argentina, on 17 April 1927, into a deeply Catholic family, and 8 of his 9 siblings entered religious life.
He served as a missionary and spiritual guide, and his ministry was shaped by the examples of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and St. Leopold Mandi膰.
Reflecting on his life, Cardinal Dri once said: 鈥淚 have no degrees, no titles. But life has taught me a lot. And having been born very poor, I feel called to always offer a word of mercy, help, and closeness. No one should leave thinking they were not understood or welcomed.鈥�
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