Rome, Italy, Feb 21, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The founder of the Communion and Liberation movement, Msgr. Luigi Giussani, died early this morning at the age of 82. Msgr. Giussani, known for his great love of the Church, passed away in the celebration of the Chair of San Pedro.
Msgr. Giussani died at his residence in Milan due to severe circulatory problems.
Holy See Press director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, told members of the press today that the funeral will take place Thursday 24 of February, in the Duomo of Milan, and will be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on behalf of the Holy Father.
Catholics worldwide are lamenting the passing of Msgr. Giussani, including politicians, intellectuals and Church leaders.