Pope honors cardinals, bishops who died since last December

Published: 2004-11-11

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II honored cardinals and bishops who died over the course of the year and thanked God for "the benefits bestowed on the church" through their work. In a ceremony Nov. 11 in St. Peter's Basilica, the pope gave a special mention to the cardinals who have died since last December, including retired Cardinal James A. Hickey of Washington, who died Oct. 24 after a long illness. The pope appeared to be in good form and read nearly all of the homily he prepared for the special Mass, which is celebrated each year. The pope recalled the cardinals and bishops' "service generously given to the church" and said that the Eucharist "anticipates the banquet of celestial glory." That banquet, the pope said, was described by Isaiah, who said that it will take place "on the sacred mount of Jerusalem and will sweep away death and mourning forever."

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