Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow June 17 following the death of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, remembering the longtime spiritual leader as a man of deep faith, wisdom, and dedicated service to the Church in Italy.
In a telegram of condolence addressed to Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, the Pope offered prayers for Cardinal Ruini and extended his condolences to the Roman clergy and the cardinal's family.
Cardinal Ruini, who died June 16, served as vicar general emeritus for the Diocese of Rome and archpriest emeritus of the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran. He also held numerous leadership roles within the Italian Church throughout his decades of ministry.
Reflecting on the cardinal's life, Pope Leo thanked God for what he described as the gift of an “esteemed man of the Church” who served with generosity and devotion. He highlighted Cardinal Ruini's ministry in the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla, his service as an auxiliary bishop, and his later work on behalf of the Diocese of Rome and the Italian Church.
“As we remember this experienced and wise brother, strengthened by deep faith, acute intelligence and foresight, who served with discretion and selflessness,” Pope Leo wrote, “I think of his fruitful work for the Italian Episcopal Conference and for a productive dialogue with the world of culture.”
The Holy Father also prayed that the Lord would welcome Cardinal Ruini into “the heavenly Jerusalem” and imparted his apostolic blessing to those mourning his death, offering special gratitude to those who cared for the cardinal in his final years.