Pope Francis mourns death of Cardinal Vidal

MANILA — Pope Francis has joined in mourning the death of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, a leader of Catholics in Cebu for 29 years, commending his untiring and devoted service to the Church. In a letter to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, the pope said he was deeply saddened to learn the death of the retired cardinal. I extend my sincere condolences to you, and to the clergy religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Francis said.The pontiff praised the cardinal 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, he said. 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, the pope added.Msgr. Joseph Tan, the archdiocese’s spokesperson, said Vidal died on Wednesday at 7:26am due to infection leading to septic shock . He was 86.The cardinal became seriously ill and was admitted to the city’s Perpetual Succor Hospital on October 11.His wake started tonight at Cebu cathedral and will be held for eight days except on October 21 wherein his remains will be brought to the St. Pedro Calungsod Shrine, located inside the archbishop’s residence compound.Vidal’s funeral will take place on October 26 at 9am at the cathedral. He will be buried at the mausoleum at the back of the sacristy.CBCPNews