VATICAN - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI expresses his condolence for the death of Rev Oreste Benzi, “tireless apostle of charity to assist the helpless and those most in need”, who sought to address “the many social problems afflicting the world today ”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI sent a message of condolence to Bishop Francesco Lambiasi of the diocese of Rimini, through Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone Secretary of State, expressing his condolence to all who grieve the death of Rev Oreste Benzi, who died in early hours of November 2, recalling him as a “tireless apostle of charity to assist the helpless and those most in need”. Here is the telegramme:
“Having learned with deep sadness the news of the death of Rev Oreste Benzi, humble and poor priest of Christ, meritorious founder and president of the Community Papa Giovanni XXIII, the Holy Father wishes to express sincere condolences to those who mourn the priest's sudden death recalling his intense pastoral life as a parish priest and later as tireless apostle of charity to assist the helpless and those most in need seeking to address the many social problems afflicting the world today. As His Holiness prays for the eternal repose of the soul of the deceased priest faithful to his vocation and always a docile servant of the Church, he invokes from divine goodness Christian hopes and support for his entire spiritual family and diocese afflicted by such a grave loss and with affection sends to all the comfort of the apostolic blessing in faith in Christ's resurrection. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State to His Holiness” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/11/2007; righe 16, parole 210)