To my Venerable Brother
Cardinal John P. Foley

Having read with heartfelt concern your letter of 13 October last, I hasten to assure you of my closeness in prayer and my deep gratitude for the many graces bestowed on the Church through your priestly and episcopal ministry, particularly during your years of dedicated service to the Apostolic See. At this time when your illness makes new demands upon your spiritual and physical resources, I am confident that you will press forward, with faith and hope, along the way which leads to the fullness of life in that heavenly Kingdom where God is all in all (cf. 1Cor. 15:28).

With great affection I invoke upon you the consolation and strength born of our confident trust in the promises of the Gospel. Commending you to the loving care of Mary, Mother of the Church, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of grace and peace in the Lord.

From the Vatican, 11 November 2011.

Benedictus XVI