Vatican City, September 2017. His Holiness Pope Francis offered his heartfelt condolences following the passing of His Eminence Cormac, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor on 1 September 2017.
In his message to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, Pope Francis recalled the distinguished service of the late Cardinal & Delegation Prior to the Church in England and Wales. He wrote:
“Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop emeritus of Westminster, I hasten to offer my heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese.
“Recalling with immense gratitude the late Cardinal’s distinguished service to the Church in England and Wales, his unwavering devotion to the preaching of the Gospel and the care of the poor, and his far-sighted commitment to the advancement of ecumenical and interreligious understanding, I willingly join you in commending his noble soul to the infinite mercies of God our heavenly Father.
“To all who mourn his passing in the sure hope of the Resurrection I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord.”
Cardinal Cormac was a longstanding supporter of the Order and as Prior of the Delegation of Great Britain & Ireland of the Constantinian Order he served as the spiritual head in our countries.