DFA Joins Nation in Mourning Passing of Cebu Cardinal

19 October 2017 MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs has joined the nation in mourning the death of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. 

“The men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs join the entire nation in mourning the passing of one of our beloved peacemakers-His Eminence, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano said in a statement.

"Cardinal Vidal will be remembered not only for his spiritual leadership and moderation during the almost three decades that he served as Archbishop of Cebu but also for the important role he played in ensuring the peaceful transition of power in several episodes in our country's political history," Secretary Cayetano added. 

"We join the millions of Filipinos whose lives Cardinal Vidal was able to touch in praying for his work, ministries and all those who he loved," the Secretary said.

The 86-year-old Catholic Church leader, who was archbishop of Cebu from 1982 to 2011, passed away in Cebu on Wednesday. END

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