October 6, 1983
All of America is saddened by the loss of Cardinal Cooke, a saintly man and a great spiritual
leader. In life, Terence James Cooke inspired us with his personal holiness, his dedication to his
church, his devotion to his flock. But in death as well, he had for us a special gift and a special
inspiration. The world has rarely seen a more moving display of the three cardinal virtues than in
the faith, hope, and love with which Cardinal Cooke confronted and conquered death. He bore his
suffering in imitation of his savior.
Nancy and I consider it one of the great privileges of our lives that in his final months we had the
chance to visit and pray with Cardinal Cooke. We join the people of New York and all America in
mourning the grievous loss of a wonderful and holy man.