The scoop company stated the cardinal have been hospitalized for pneumonia previous within the month, after trying out certain for Covid-19. He have been unwell for a while.
In a telegram despatched to the cardinal’s sister on Saturday, Pope Francis expressed his condolences.
“I recall his diligent paintings along such a lot of of my predecessors, who entrusted him with essential tasks within the Vatican international relations, as much as the subtle workplace of secretary of state,” Francis stated.
Sodano was once a long-time Vatican presence, having served two popes as secretary of state and as dean of the School of Cardinals. He remained influential even in retirement.
He again and again got here beneath drive right through the years that adopted for downplaying sexual abuse or blockading investigations into the scandal.