Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences to the Apostolic Administrator of Xai-Xai, Archbishop Francisco Chimoio, for the death of Cardinal Júlio Duarte Langa, bishop emeritus of the Mozambican diocese, who died on Monday 3 August at the age of 98. In the message the Pope expresses "spiritual union" and condolences to the episcopate of Mozambique and to the family of the deceased, recalling how the Cardinal taught "the art of closeness in the pastoral care of souls", giving himself with "simplicity, zeal and perseverance" to the flock entrusted to him during his twenty-eight years as bishop, marked by the country's long civil war, and his commitment to proclaiming the "Gospel of peace and reconciliation" among all Mozambicans. The Pontiff finally grants a "comforting apostolic blessing" to those attending the funeral rites. Created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2015, Duarte Langa was the second Mozambican cardinal in history.