Pope Francis mourns the death of Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento, the oldest in the world

Pope Francis has expressed through a telegram his condolences for the death last Saturday of the Archbishop Emeritus of Luanda (Angola), Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento, the oldest in the world, at 99 years old.

According to the Catholic-Hierarchy website, specialized in the bishops of the world, the cardinal He was the oldest on the planeta position now occupied by Argentine Cardinal Estanislao Karlic.

In the text sent to the current archbishop, Mons. Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias, the Pontiff has expressed “the communion of my prayers, so that no one lacks the consolation of the resurrection” upon learning of the death of the former secretary general of Cáritas International.

Pope Francis recalls “the care given by the beloved Dom Alexandre to his flock in troubled and difficult times, having been for all an expression of the merciful face of Jesus, the good Samaritan of humanity.”

“Faith in Christ and hope in eternal life made him a brave and free man, capable of directing his steps in favor of the common good, and he even collaborated with this apostolic see in its zeal for the poorest and most needy.” , guiding the direction of Cáritas International,” states the text of the telegram.

Pope Francis, grateful to God “for all that the Lord has accomplished in him and through him,” has begged the Creator “to surround this faithful servant of his with the light of mercy and open the doors of life for him.” ”.

As detailed Vatican NewsCardinal Alexandre do Nascimento was kidnapped on October 15, 1982 by a group of armed men during a pastoral visit and was not released until November 16.

Pope Saint John Paul II asked for his release after praying the Angelus on Sunday, October 31 of that year.

Three months after his release, in February 1983, the Polish Pontiff included the then Bishop of Malanje, his native diocese, on the list of new cardinals on whom he imposed the cap.

In 1984, he preached the Lenten spiritual exercises at the Vatican, which were attended by Saint John Paul II. Two years later, he was entrusted with the Archdiocese of Luanda, a portion of the people of God that he governed until 2001.