...Pope expresses sorrow
Late Cardinal Vela Chiriboga
Death has been announced of the Archbishop Emeritus of Quito, Ecuador, Cardinal Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga.
Cardinal Vela Chiriboga died on Sunday, November 15, at 86.
In a telegram addressed to Archbishop Alfredo José Espinoza Mateus of Quito, Ecuador, Pope Francis expressed his sadness over the death of Cardinal Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga.
Pope Francis recalls the service and selfless dedication of Cardinal and offered prayers for the repose of his soul.
“Remembering this selfless pastor who, for years and in fidelity dedicated his life to serving God and the Church, I offer prayers for the eternal rest of his soul,” the Pope said, imparting his apostolic blessing upon the deceased and his community, "as a sign of Christian hope in the Risen Lord."
In his message, the Pope also said he is close to the deceased Cardinal’s family and to all members of the ecclesial community in Quito.
The Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference said they mourn his loss, but are consoled knowing that as a faithful servant, God will receive him into his glory: “We thank God for his generous dedication to the Church and the Ecuadorian people,” they said asking “all the faithful for their prayers for his eternal rest.”
The Archbishop Emeritus, who served as Archbishop of Quito from 2003 to 2010, was born 1 January 1934 in Riobamba, Ecuador.
He was elevated to the status of cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI at a consistory on 20 November 2010, making him Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria in Via.
In 2015, Pope Francis named Cardinal Vela Chiriboga his Special Envoy to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress of Peru.
Cardinal Vela Chiriboga died of natural causes at St. Camillus Hospice in Quito on 15 November.
“He had been receiving palliative care at the hospice for several weeks due to various health complications,” the archdiocese said.
The funeral Mass of Cardinal took place on Tuesday, 17 November, in the Cathedral of Quito.
May his soul rest in peace.
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