In a message of condolence, João Lourenço said that Angola has lost one of its most distinguished sons, a good man who dedicated a large part of his life to transmitting to his people values and principles for a life of dignity, forgiveness and respect for others.
Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento died of illness at the age of 99 in Luanda, the spokesperson for the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST), Bishop Belmiro Chissengueti, told Lusa on Saturday.
In his message, the head of state also said that he shares the certainty that "the deeds of the servant of the Church and the nation who leaves us today will be perpetuated for generations, as confirmation of the greatness of his journey and the nobility of the general cause he defended throughout his life, that of spreading goodness".
João Lourenço also conveys, on behalf of himself, his family and the Government, his deepest condolences to the Catholic Church, the Angolan Church and the bereaved family.
Alexandre do Nascimento, the only Angolan cardinal, was born on 1 March 1925 in Malanje and was one of the most prominent leaders of the Catholic Church in Angola. He was ordained a priest in 1952 and elevated to bishop on 10 August 1975.
Alexandre do Nascimento was ordained a cardinal by Pope João Paulo II in 1983 and was the oldest member of the College of Cardinals.
A graduate in Theology, the cardinal, who was also president of CEAST and is archbishop emeritus of Luanda, participated in the conclaves for the election of Pope Bento XVI (in 2005) and the election of Pope Francisco (in 2013), but was not entitled to vote due to his age.
