Updated with details of Cardinal Vidal’s wake
Cebu City (CNN Philippines, October 19) — Pope Francis expressed sympathy over the death of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
“Joining with you in expressing profound gratitude for the late Cardinal’s untiring and devoted service to the Church, and for his constant advocacy of dialogue and peace for all the people in the Philippines,” the Pontiff said through a telegram sent to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Wednesday.
“I commend his soul to the infinite love and mercy of our heavenly Father,” Pope Francis added.
Vidal was a member of several congregations of the Roman Curia – specifically the Evangelization of Peoples, Catholic Education, and the Pontifical Council for Health Workers. The Roman Curia is an arm of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican.
Cebu archdiocese spokesperson Monsignor Joseph Tan said the prelate died Wednesday morning “due to infection leading to septic shock.”
READ: Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Vidal dies at 86
Cardinal Vidal will be laid to rest next Thursday, October 26 at the Cebu Cathedral mausoleum, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said.
His wake began late Wednesday at the Cathedral, which is open 24 hours to those who wish to pay their last respects to the Cardinal, the cathedral’s administration said.
Roads surrounding the church are blocked off to traffic by the Cebu Traffic Office as they expect a huge crowd.
On Saturday, October 21, his remains will be brought to the Archdiocesan Chapel of St. Pedro Calungsod in time for the saint’s 5th canonization anniversary.
Cardinal Vidal was instrumental in pushing for the sainthood of the Cebuano martyr, St. Pedro Calungsod. The Cardinal will again be brought back to the Cathedral in evening of October 21.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday sent his sympathies.
“President Rodrigo Duterte and Cardinal Vidal had a friendly, cordial relationship. The good cardinal paid a courtesy call to Malacanan shortly after PRRD assumed office and assured the Chief Executive of his fervent prayers for him and his administration,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. Duterte assumed office in July 2016.
Monsignor Tan said they appreciate the condolences from the President. There is no confirmation yet if Duterte will visit Cardinal Vidal’s wake or attend the funeral.
“He will be most welcome, and we will be most honored if he comes,” Tan said.
All bishops of the Philippines are expected to attend the funeral rites of the Cardinal, the Cebu archdiocese spokesperson added.
A Buddhist Monk from Cebu’s Chu Un Temple joined in praying with the Catholic faithful who attended the mass late Wednesday.
Cebu-based stringer Dale Israel contributed to this report.
