(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, former Archbishop of Westminster (Great Britain), died on Friday at the age of 85.
The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, announced the news in a statement.
"I am writing to let you know the sad news that Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor died peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his family and friends. Please pray for the repose of his soul," he wrote.
Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor had been seriously ill in hospital with cancer since April.
He became the 10th Archbishop of Westminster in March 2000 and retired from the role in 2009.
Born on 24 August 1932 in Reading, Berkshire, Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor was one of six children. Two of his five brothers became priests.
He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome in October 1956, and Pope St. John Paul II made him Cardinal in 2001.
With Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor's death, the College of Cardinals is made up of 121 Cardinal-electors and 101 non-electors.
Below find Pope Francis' telegramme to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster:
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.
FRANCISCUS PP.
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