Philadelphia, Pa., Dec 12, 2011 / 11:18 am
Cardinal John Patrick Foley, former head of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and former president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, died in Pennsylvania on Dec. 11 at the age of 76. Pope Benedict XVI expressed gratitude for the cardinal’s priestly ministry and “distinguished service.”
In a message to Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles J. Chaput, the Pope prayed that Cardinal Foley’s “lifelong commitment” to the Church’s presence in the media will inspire others to take up an apostolate “so essential to the proclamation of the Gospel and the progress of the new evangelization.”
“To all who mourn Cardinal Foley in the hope of the Resurrection, I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Archbishop Chaput said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the cardinal’s death.