MANILA (AFP) - The Philippines' influential Cardinal Jaime Sin, the former head of the Catholic Church in the Southeast Asian country who helped topple two presidents, died in hospital at age 76, church officials said.
Pope Benedict's statement:
"Deeply saddened by the death of Cardinal Jaime L. Sin, I offer heartfelt condolences to you and to all the clergy, religious and laity of the archdiocese of Manila. Recalling with gratitude Cardinal Sin's unfailing commitment to the spread of the Gospel and to the promotion of the dignity, common good and national unity of the Philippine people, I join you in praying that God our merciful Father will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome his noble soul into the joy and peace of His eternal Kingdom. To all assembled for the solemn Mass of Christian burial I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord."
