Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences on the death of Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, the Archbishop emeritus of Paris. The Pope remembered Cardinal Vingt-Trois as a 'good and zealous shepherd'. Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolence to Cardinal Laurent Ulrich, the current Archbishop of Paris. The Pope offered prayers and spiritual closeness to those mourning the late Cardinal. The funeral Mass for Cardinal André Vingt-Trois will take place tomorrow.
5 months ago
Pope Leo XIV has expressed his profound sorrow and spiritual closeness following the passing of Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, the Archbishop emeritus of Paris, who died on July 18 at the age of 82 1. In a telegram of condolence sent to Cardinal Laurent Ulrich, the current Archbishop of Paris, Pope Leo XIV remembered Cardinal Vingt-Trois as a "good and zealous shepherd" who served the Archdiocese of Paris for twelve years 1. The Holy Father extended his prayers and sentiments to the Cardinal's family, caregivers at Maison Marie-Thérèse, and the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese, praying that the Risen Lord welcome him into "His home of rest, peace, and light" 1.
Cardinal André Vingt-Trois was a significant figure within the Church in France 1. He served as the Archbishop of Paris from 2005 to 2017 1. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of president of the Bishops' Conference of France from 2007 to 2013 1. Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the Cardinal's dedication to pastoral ministry and noted his sharing in "the Cross of Christ in his own flesh" through his final illness 1.
The funeral Mass for Cardinal André Vingt-Trois is scheduled to take place on July 23 at 10 AM 1. The ceremony will be held in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and will be presided over by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich 1. For the preparation of the liturgy, the cathedral will be closed to visitors, reopening at 2:30 p.m. on the day of the funeral 1.
How does the Church define a good shepherd's role?
The Church defines the role of a good shepherd primarily through the example of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Good Shepherd. This role encompasses several key aspects:
The most fundamental characteristic of the Good Shepherd is the willingness to sacrifice one's life for the flock . Jesus explicitly states, "the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11) . This act of self-sacrifice is not forced but is a free and voluntary offering of love . It signifies Christ's death on the Cross, which is the perfect sacrifice of love and the price of human salvation . This sacrificial love is continuously made present sacramentally in the Eucharist .
A good shepherd actively protects the sheep from danger, unlike a hireling who abandons the flock when a wolf approaches . The shepherd is ready to risk his own life to defend the sheep from wild animals, ensuring that none are lost . This protective role extends to the entire community, safeguarding all its members .
The Good Shepherd knows each of his sheep individually and loves them with infinite tenderness . This knowledge stems from recognizing the true dignity of each person, created in the image and likeness of God . Christ's love for each person is unique and special because he ransomed them by his death on the Cross . This personal knowledge and love mean that the shepherd calls his sheep by name and walks alongside them .
The Good Shepherd actively searches for those who are lost, brings back the stray, bandages the wounded, and strengthens the weak . Jesus himself came to find humanity when it was lost, to snatch people from death, and to lead them back to the Father's fold . This highlights God's searching and saving love, which rejoices at every sinner who repents . A shepherd after God's heart is persistent in doing good and goes out to seek those who no longer wish to enter the fold .
Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, has other sheep not of his immediate fold whom he must bring, so that there will be one flock and one shepherd . This signifies the universal scope of his mission to gather all peoples and nations into salvation .
Jesus stated, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10) . The Good Shepherd's mission is to ensure that the sheep have life in its fullness .
The Church calls its pastors (bishops and priests) to imitate Christ, the Good Shepherd . They are to feed and guide the flock well, prioritizing the care of their sheep above all other pursuits . They are to be ministers who continually exercise Christ's priestly function in the liturgy, making his sacrificial love present . This means being centered on Jesus, not on themselves, and being attentive to the needs of others .