The death of Cardinal Lourdusamy

Vatican City, 2 June 2014 (VIS) – The Holy Father has sent a telegram of condolences to Archbishop Anthony Anandarayar of Ponticherry and Cuddalore, India, for the death last night in Rome of Cardinal Simon D. Lourdusamy, aged 90, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and archbishop emeritus of Bangalore, India. In his text, the Pope expresses his gratitude for the cardinal's “priestly life spent in spreading the Gospel first in India and subsequently in service to the Universal Church” and commends his noble soul to the Lord.

Cardinal Lourdusamy's funeral will be held on 5 June at 11.30 a.m. at the altar of the Vatican Basilica, and will be presided by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals. At the end of the Eucharist, Pope Francis will administer the rites of “Ultima Commendatio” and “Valedictio”.