Vatican City, May 23, 2008 / 07:58 am
Today following a Mass offered for the soul of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, Benedict XVI recalled the life of the prelate, dean emeritus of the College of Cardinals, who died May 13 at the age of 86. The Pope noted how the cardinal dedicated his life to the Church and was the first African prelate to hold a position in the Vatican.
"It is in this perspective of faith and hope in the resurrection that we recall the venerable Cardinal Bernardin Gantin" who was always willing to the serve God and his fellow men, “maintaining faith in the motto he chose at the moment of his episcopal ordination: 'In tuo sancto servitio' (In your holy service)."
The Holy Father spoke of the character of Cardinal Gantin, which he described as "a marvelous blend of the characteristics of the African soul with those of the Christian spirit, of African culture and identification with evangelical values. He was the first African prelate to occupy roles of great responsibility in the Roman Curia.”
Benedict XVI continued by describing experiences he shared with Cardinal Gantin which allowed him to “gain ever greater appreciation of his prudent wisdom, as well as his solid faith and sincere adherence to Christ and to His Vicar on earth, the Pope. Fifty-seven years of priesthood, 51 years of episcopate and 31 as cardinal: this is the summary of a life spent for the Church."