Pope Francis' Letter to the Cardinal-Designate
Dear brother,
On the day that your designation as part of the College of Cardinals is
made public, I wish to send you a cordial greeting along with the
guarantee of my closeness and prayer. It is my hope that, joined with
the Church of Rome and “clothed in the virtues and sentiments of the
Lord Jesus,” you may help me with fraternal efficacy in my service to
the Universal Church.
The
cardinalship does not imply promotion; it is neither an honour nor a
decoration; it is simply a service that requires you to broaden your
gaze and open your hearts. And, although this may appear paradoxical,
the ability to look further and to love more universally with greater
intensity may be acquired only by following the same path of the Lord:
the path of self-effacement and humility, taking on the role of a
servant.
Therefore I ask you, please, to receive this designation with a
simple and humble heart. And, while you must do so with pleasure and
joy, ensure that this sentiment is far from any expression of
worldliness or from any form of celebration contrary to the evangelical
spirit of austerity, sobriety and poverty.
Until
we meet, then, on 20 February, when our two days of reflection on the
family commence.
I remain at your disposal and ask you, please, to pray
for me and to ask for prayers on my behalf.
May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin protect you.
