MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
ON THE PASSING OF BISHOP EMERITUS OF PARRAMATTA
MOST REVEREND BEDE VINCENT HEATHER
The Most Reverend Vincent Long van Nguyen
Bishop of Parramatta
His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Emeritus Bede Vincent Heather, and he sends heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Recalling with gratitude the late Bishop’s years of service to the Church in Parramatta, particularly his concern for educating the young, His Holiness commends his soul to the mercy of Almighty God.
To all who mourn Bishop Heather’s passing the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Risen Lord.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
