Pope Francis highlighted the courageous life testimony of 95-year-old Albanian-born Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who spent 28 long years in prison, during a public meeting at the Paul VI Chapel in the Vatican on February 14, and embraced the cardinal.
Fr Jinu Jacob, Vatican City
Pope Francis highlighted the courageous life testimony of the 95-year-old Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who spent twenty-eight years in prison during the dark period of the communist regime’s terror, and embraced the cardinal during his public meeting on February 14th at the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican.
Remembering the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Christ in the early days of the Church, the Pope highlighted the fact that even today many martyrs surrender to death for the sake of the Gospel. Saying that there are many people suffering for the faith in many parts of the world, the Pope introduced Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who was present during his public meeting, to the community by name. The Pope described the Cardinal as a living martyr.
The Pope recalled the fervor of faith of Cardinal Simoni, who spent twenty-eight years in prison as a priest and bishop. The Pope thanked the cardinal who continues to inspire many through his life. The Pope also underlined the powerful service that the cardinal, who turned 95, continues to provide for the Church today. The Pope addressed the Cardinal by calling him ‘Dear Brother’.
Even during his imprisonment, he never stopped celebrating the Holy Eucharist. It is also worth mentioning that he pardoned those imprisoned immediately after his release from prison.
#Pope #Francis #speaks #Cardinal #Simonis #life #testimony #Vatican #News
2024-02-14 21:19:49
