Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service)- Archbishop Théodore-Adrien Sarr Archbishop of Dakar since 2000 when he succeeded the late Cardinal Thiandoum who died yesterday 18 May, told Fides how important the late Cardinal was for the whole country: ““For all the people of Senegal, Christians and non Christians Card. Thiandoum was one of the most significant personalities of our country. He was the first Senegal born Archbishop of Dakar and as such Senegal’s first metropolitan archbishop. This was an important factor for Senegal: many ordinary people without much education referred to the Cardinal as “head of the Church of Senegal”.
“He won the admiration and affection of all -Archbishop Sarr told Fides-. He was one of the great sons of Senegal who played an important role in the passage from colonial rule to independence. Cardinal Thiandoum helped Senegal take its place in the concert of nations.”
“In the ecclesial field Cardinal Thiandoum helped to implement the reforms decided by the Second Vatican Council and thanks to him the new instructions were welcomed without difficulty.
Cardinal Thiandoum as a figure was held in high esteem all over Africa particularly in French-speaking countries. I recall that 10 years ago in1994 he was a Relator at the Special Synod of Bishops for Africa in Rome from which emerged the concept of Church-Family-of-God which is today the inspiration of all pastoral activity on the continent”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/5/2004, righe 18; parole 235)
