Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On September 10, in the Vatican Basilica, a Mass was held for the soul of Cardinal Antonio Innocenti, Titular of Santa Maria in Aquiro, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church and of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei." The Holy Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, accompanied by other Cardinals. At the close of the liturgy, the Holy Father Benedict XVI gave a homily and administered the rite of “Ultima Commendatio” and “Valedictio.”
“The beloved Deceased Cardinal had a long life spent in service to the Lord,” the Pope said in the homily, recalling the various stages of the Cardinal’s earthly life and recalling how during the Second World War, as a young priest, he “stood out for his selflessness and generosity in helping people and saving those destined for deportation. For this he was arrested and condemned to be shot, but the order was reversed as he stood before of the firing squad.” After entering into the deiplomatic service of the Holy See, he was sent to various countries in Africa, Europe, and the Near East, “without ever forgetting his profound and genuine priestly inspiration, dedicating his life for his brethren, encouraging and nurturing the Christian faith and hope of all.”
Other important events in his life were his being appointed as Pontifical Representative to Paraguay and receiving episcopal ordination in 1968; his role as Secretary of the Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship; his role as Apostolic Nuncio to Spain; and in Mary 1985, when he was made Cardinal. He was later appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, President of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church and of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei.” “We are grateful for the gift of having known him,” the Pope said at the end of his homily, “and for all the benefits that, in him and through him, the Lord has bestowed upon the Holy Church.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 11/9/2008)
