Cardinal Monduzzi, former prefect of papal household, dies at age 84

Published: 2006-10-13

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Italian Cardinal Dino Monduzzi, who died Oct. 12 at the age of 84, spent almost four decades shepherding the humble faithful and the world's most powerful leaders into the presence of the pope. Pope Benedict XVI, who was to preside over the Oct. 16 funeral in St. Peter's Basilica, said the cardinal would be remembered for "the promptness and wisdom with which he organized the daily papal audiences and pastoral visits in Italy." Cardinal Monduzzi's death leaves the College of Cardinals with 188 members, 116 of whom are under age 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. In a message of condolence to the cardinal's family, Pope Benedict praised his generous dedication to his tasks in the Prefecture of the Papal Household under Popes John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I and John Paul II. From 1986 to 1998, he was the prefect of the office, organizing the pope's daily public schedule at the Vatican or on visits to Italian dioceses.

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