Pope sends condolences after death of Cardinal Ambrozic

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI has offered condolences to Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto following the death of retired archbishop, Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic, who died Aug. 26 at the age of 81.

"I recall with gratitude the cardinal's dedication and service to the church in his adopted country," the Pope said in a telegram to Archbishop Thomas Collins of Toronto.

"I join you and all who mourn him, including the members of the late cardinal's family, in commending his noble soul to the infinite mercy of God, our loving father."

The late cardinal was a priest for 56 years, bishop for 35 years and served as archbishop of Toronto from 1990 to 2006.

After a lengthy illness Cardinal Ambrozic died peacefully at Providence Healthcare  in Toronto  shortly after receiving the sacramental anointing from Archbishop Collins, the cardinal's successor as archbishop.


Click here to read our obituary for Cardinal Ambrozic


The body of Cardinal Ambrozic will arrive at St. Michael's Cathedral on Tuesday, August 30 at 1:30 p.m. At that time the Rite of Reception will be held.

His Eminence will lie in state for visitation at the cathedral Tuesday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with the Office for the Dead being celebrated at 8:30p.m. All Tuesday events are open to the public.

The funeral Mass for Cardinal Ambrozic be held on Wednesday, August 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Cathedral. Due to renovations currently underway at the cathedral and expected articipation by up to 500 priests, family, friends, etc. There will be extremely limited public seating available.