The Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory
Archbishop of Atlanta

The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the death of Archbishop Emeritus John F. Donoghue and he offers heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese. In commending the late Archbishop to the love and mercy of Christ the Good Shepherd, he joins in your prayer of thanksgiving for the many graces which accompanied his years of episcopal ministry to the Church in Atlanta. To all who mourn Archbishop Donoghue in the sure hope of the Resurrection, His Holiness cordially imparts the Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State