In a telegram of condolence sent to the archbishop of Luanda, cited this Monday by Vatican News, Francis recalls the “care given by the dear Dom Alexandre to his flock, in troubled and difficult times, having been for everyone an expression of the merciful face of Jesus, good Samaritan of humanity.”
"[Faith in Christ and hope in eternal life] made him a courageous and free man, capable of guiding his steps towards the common good, having even collaborated with this apostolic headquarters in his zeal in favor of the poorest and neediest, by guiding the direction of Cáritas Internacional”, recalls the Pope.
Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento died, on Saturday, from illness, at the age of 99, in Luanda. Masses and prayers in his memory began this Monday, in the capital, and the religious will be buried on October 8th in the Luanda Cathedral.
Alexandre do Nascimento, the only Angolan cardinal, was born on March 1, 1925 in Malanje and is one of the most prominent leaders of the Catholic Church in Angola. He was ordained a priest in 1952 and elevated to bishop in August 1975.
Alexandre do Nascimento was ordained a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1983 and was the oldest member of the College of Cardinals.
With a degree in Theology, the cardinal, who was also president of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) and is archbishop emeritus of Luanda, participated in the conclaves for the election of Pope Benedict XVI (in 2005) and the election of Pope Francis (in 2013), but did not have the right to vote due to his age.
