ROME (AP) – Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri, an esteemed Argentine priest and Capuchin friar, has passed away in Buenos Aires at the age of 98, as confirmed by the Vatican on Wednesday. His death occurred on Monday, and his funeral service was conducted on the same day the announcement was made, according to the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano.
Cardinal Dri was appointed as a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 at the remarkable age of 96. This recognition was a tribute to his lifetime dedicated to hearing confessions and granting absolutions to countless faithful. Until his last days, Dri actively served as the confessor at the Our Lady of Pompeii parish in Buenos Aires, continuing his long-standing commitment to the sacrament of reconciliation.
Pope Francis had consistently held Dri in high regard during his papacy, frequently citing him as a model confessor for priests everywhere. The Pope emphasized the importance of mercy within the confessional, encouraging priests to always welcome and forgive those who seek reconciliation. Dri himself epitomized these ideals; he was famously quoted by Francis, highlighting that he felt compelled to offer forgiveness because, as he put it, "God himself gave me a bad example" in forgiving all sins unconditionally.
In response to Cardinal Dri's passing, Pope Leo XIV, who was created a cardinal in the same consistory as Dri, expressed his condolences through a message signed by the Vatican secretary of state. In his tribute, he remembered Dri as a "devoted pastor" who was beloved by Pope Francis. He acknowledged Dri's lifelong commitment to serving God and the Catholic Church as a confessor, which resonated deeply within the community he served.
Overall, Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri’s legacy reflects his profound dedication to the principles of mercy and forgiveness, essential aspects of the Catholic faith that he passionately communicated through his work as a confessor. His contributions to the Church and the lives he touched will be remembered, highlighting the vital role of understanding and compassion within the sacramental practice of reconciliation.
