VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI praised the late Cardinal Jean Margeot for his dedicated promotion of the family. Cardinal Margeot, who was the retired bishop of Port Louis, Mauritius, died July 17 at the age of 93. His death leaves the College of Cardinals with 185 members, 113 of whom are under age 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave.
In a telegram of condolence sent July 17, Pope Benedict expressed his sadness over the cardinal’s death and called him a “passionate pastor who dedicated his whole life to the Mauritian people.” The late cardinal was known for his commitment to evangelization and for being “at the service of defending and promoting the family,” said the pope. He led a Catholic renewal on the tiny island-state in the Indian Ocean while carefully maintaining good relations with his Hindu and Muslim fellow citizens.
