Pope Francis expressed his condolences on the death of Cardinal Luigi De Magistris, 96, which occurred today, February 16, 2022. Cardinal De Magistris was Pro-Major Penitentiary Emeritus of the Deaconry Santissimi Nomi di Gesù e Maria [Most Holy Names of Jesus and Mary] in Via Lata.
In a telegram of condolence, addressed to the Archbishop of Cagliari, Monsignor Giuseppe Baturi, the Holy Father said: “On learning the news of the death of Cardinal Luigi De Magistris, illustrious son of this land, I wish to express to his family, to all of you, to the Presbytery and to all the faithful, my closeness and condolences for the mourning that has struck the whole ecclesial community.”
The Pontiff recalled the Cardinal as a Pastor that, animated by irreproachable priestly zeal, served the Lord and the Church with great dedication; I think with gratitude of his generous commitment in the Holy See as diligent and wise collaborator of my Predecessors.”
Love for the Ministry of Reconciliation
Pope Francis also referred to the Cardinal’s “love for the Ministry of Reconciliation, which he always exercised with admirable assiduousness, dedicated to the good of souls.”
Finally, the Pontiff elevated his prayer to the Lord “so that, through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin Mary of Confidence, He may receive this faithful servant in the heavenly Jerusalem, and I cordially impart my Blessing to all those taking part in the funeral rite.”
The Archdiocese of Cagliari informed that the funeral chamber of Cardinal Luigi De Magistris will be installed in the Cathedral from 3:00 pm this Wednesday, February 16. The funeral will be held in the Cathedral at 11:00 am tomorrow, February 17.
Cardinal Luigi De Magistris
Was born in Cagliari, Italy, on February 23, 1926, the youngest of six children of Edmund — “don Mundinu,” called the “Doctor of the poor” by the inhabitants of Cagliari — and Agnes Ballero. Luigi received an education based on the daily practice of charity to all, especially to the neediest.
Although his vocation to the priesthood was premature, at his father’s request, he first obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Literature in Cagliari. Then he was formed in the Roman Seminary and was ordained priest by Monsignor Paolo Botto in the Cathedral of Cagliari on April 12, 1952.
In the course of his pastoral trajectory, he held several posts in his Archdiocese and in the Vatican. John Paul II appointed him Titular Bishop of Nova in 1996. He became Major Penitentiary on November 22, 2001.
In 2003 he resigned from his institutional functions for reasons of age, but he continued working in the care of souls in the Roman communities of San Francesco a Ripa and, especially, in San Salvatore in Lauro.
For reasons of health, he returned to his native city in 2010, where up to a few years ago he exercised the Ministry of Confessor in the Cathedral.
Pope Francis created him Cardinal in the Consistory of February 14, 2015, of the Deaconry Santissimi Nomi di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata.
Translation by Virginia M. Forrester
