Vatican City (AsiaNews) Benedict XVI has expressed his gratitude for Cardinal Sin's "unfailing commitment to the spread of the gospel and to the promotion of the dignity, common good and national unity of the Philippine people". In a telegram dispatched today to Mgr Gaudencio Rosales, archbishop of Manila, the Pope offered his condolences to the Filipino Church, also giving a blessing to bring "consolation and strength" to all who are in mourning.
Below is the text of the telegram dispatched by Benedict XVI:
To the Most Reverend Gaudencio B. Rosales
Archbishop of Manila
Deeply saddened by the death of Cardinal Jaime L. Sin, I offer heartfelt condolences to you and to all the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Manila. Recalling with gratitude Cardinal Sin's unfailing commitment to the spread of the gospel and to the promotion of the dignity, common good and national unity of the Philippine people, I join you in praying that God our merciful father will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome his noble soul into the joy and peace of his eternal kingdom. To all assembled for the solemn mass of Christian burial I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the lord.
Benedictus XVI