Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri Passes Away at 98 in Buenos Aires
- Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri, aged 98, passed away in Buenos Aires.
- Dri’s funeral was held at Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Nueva Pompeya.
- He was valued for his extensive hours in the confessional, devoted to listening and guiding others.
- Born in Entre Ríos, Dri dedicated his life to the pastoral ministry in Argentina and Uruguay.
- Pope Francis regarded Dri as a model of merciful priesthood and generosity in forgiveness.
- The Argentine Bishops’ Conference celebrated Dri’s life as a tireless confessor and humble pastor.
Cardinal Dri Remembered as a Quiet Minister of Faith
Pope Francis has lost a pivotal figure in the Church as Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri, known for his pastoral care in Buenos Aires, passed away at 98 years old. He died on June 30 and his funeral took place at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Nueva Pompeya, where he dedicated nearly two decades of his life. His burial Mass, which was conducted on July 2, was presided over by the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva, bringing together many in a city that loved him dearly.
A Legacy Built on Humility and Forgiveness
Dri’s elevation to cardinal in 2023 was remarkable considering his long commitment to pastoral work over formal ecclesiastical roles. Well-loved for his unwavering commitment, he spent countless hours in the confessional, a quiet force of compassion and forgiveness rather than public recognition. Beginning his journey in Federación, Entre Ríos, where spirituality ran deep in his family, Dri became a Capuchin friar at a young age, serving in various roles across Argentina and Uruguay throughout his lifetime while always returning to his confessor’s post where he shaped many souls.
Impact on the Church and the Community
Even as he stepped back officially in 2007, Cardinal Dri’s presence remained powerful among those seeking refuge and reconciliation. Notably, it was in this sanctuary that young Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now known to the world as Pope Francis, would consult him for both spiritual mentorship and confession. Pope Francis praised Dri as a beacon of mercy and a pastoral model whom he recalled for inspiration in challenging times, reflecting the essence of Father Dri’s enduring legacy of love and acceptance in an often divided society.
Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri leaves behind an extraordinary legacy marked by compassion, humility, and dedicated service to the Church. His influence resonates profoundly within the community as he exemplified the merciful love of God through his life’s work. In an era often defined by complexity, Dri stands as a guiding light for a Church that listens, heals, and welcomes all individuals.
