“An illustrious pastor”: Pope Francis Eulogizes World’s Oldest, Angola’s First Cardinal

He goes on to implore, “For all that the lord accomplished in him and through him, I give thanks to God, implore Him to surround this faithful servant with the light of His mercy and open the doors to the fullness of life, while I grant with all my heart my blessing to all those who take part in the Funeral.”

Born in Angola’s Province of Malanje on 1 March 1925, Cardinal do Nascimento was ordained a Priest in December 1952. After serving as Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Malanje since his Episcopal Consecration, he was transferred to Angola’s Archdiocese of Lubango in February 1977, and elevated to Archbishop. He was created Cardinal during the February 1983 Consistory.

In February 1986, the Angolan Cardinal was transferred to the Archdiocese of Luanda, where he served till his retirement. 

Announcing his passing on, members of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) extended their “deepest condolences to the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda, his biological family, and all those involved in this sad event.”

“Let us pray to God for our brother and great pastor of the Church, that he may be welcomed into heaven and find eternal rest,” CEAST members said.

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In an interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Estanislau Marques Chindekasse of Angola’s Dundo Diocese has lauded the late Cardinal’s service at Caritas Internationalis, the global confederation of Catholic relief agencies.

“The Cardinal served as President of Caritas Internationalis for many years, and in 1986, he played a key role in saving lives affected by famine in Ethiopia,” Bishop Chindekasse told ACI Africa during the Monday, September 30 interview.

The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) added, “Cardinal Nascimento travelled the world to help Ethiopia overcome the dramatic crisis it was facing. At the time, the Holy Father also visited several charitable institutions to address the situation in Ethiopia.”

“Despite his advanced age, the Cardinal still remembered these efforts vividly. He visited many institutions to support the Ethiopian cause,” Bishop Chindekasse further said, adding that the late Cardinal was “a true theologian, philosopher, and humanist.”

Cardinal do Nascimento’s life was marked by his “deep commitment to the Church and to humanity,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop told ACI Africa. 

“Honoring him means contributing to strengthening Angola, the country to which he dedicated himself with clarity and persistence,” he added.

The Cardinal is to be laid to rest on October 8. From September 30 to October 5, Eucharistic celebrations in honour of the late Cardinal have been planned in all parishes of Luanda Archdiocese from 6 PM to 8 PM. Vigil Mass is to take place on October 7. 

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.