The Right Reverend Hugh Lindsay
Bishop Emeritus of Hexham and Newcastle

Letter from Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, Secretary of State, conveying prayerful condolences from the Holy Father, Pope Benedict.

To the Right Reverend Seamus Cunningham
Bishop-Elect of Hexham and Newcastle

Having learned of the death of the Right Reverend Hugh Lindsay, Bishop-Emeritus of Hexham and Newcastle, the Holy Father sends prayerful condolences to you and to the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese.

He is united with all those gathering for the solemn funeral rite in commending Bishop Lindsay to our Heavenly Father's merciful love. Mindful of the deceased's long and devoted ministry as priest and bishop, His Holiness is confident that his memory will inspire the community he served to respond ever more generously to the call of discipleship expressed in faithful witness to the Gospel.

As a pledge of spiritual strength and comfort, the Holy Father imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all who mourn in the hope of resurrection to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone,
Secretary of State

21st January 2009