Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has paid heartfelt tribute to Argentine Cardinal Estanislao Esteban Karlic, Archbishop Emeritus of Paraná, who passed away on Friday, 8 August, at the age of 99. In a telegram of condolence addressed to Archbishop Raúl Martín of Paraná, the Pope remembered Cardinal Karlic as a “generous and upright shepherd” whose life was marked by deep fidelity to God and tireless service to the Church.
The Holy Father expressed his closeness to the faithful of the Paraná Archdiocese and to all who mourn the late Cardinal, recalling his remarkable ability to “bring the light of the Gospel to various areas of life and culture.”
Ordained first as a priest and later serving as bishop in the dioceses of Córdoba and Paraná, Cardinal Karlic guided the Argentine Episcopal Conference for two consecutive terms and warmly welcomed Saint John Paul II during his apostolic visit to Argentina. His leadership extended beyond the local Church, shaping national and continental pastoral initiatives with wisdom and humility.
Pope Leo XIV also praised the Cardinal’s contribution to the wider Catholic community, particularly his role in the drafting of the Catechism of the Catholic Church a work that continues to guide the faith of millions worldwide.
Giving thanks to God for Cardinal Karlic’s “life of faith and deep love for the Church,” the Pope concluded his message with a prayer for his eternal rest: “May the Lord Jesus grant him the unfading crown of glory.”