Pope Francis Sends Condolences On Cardinal Keeler's Death

BALTIMORE (AP) — Pope Francis cited Cardinal William Keeler's commitment to ecumenical and interreligious understanding in offering condolences on the death of the archbishop emeritus of Baltimore.

The pope sent a telegram Friday to Archbishop William Lori, the day after Keeler died.

Pope Francis said Keeler was a "wise and gentle pastor" and expressed gratitude for his years of leadership.

"I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord," the pope said.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.