The Tablet Staff

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn has learned of condolences from Pope Francis over the death of two priests serving the Diocese of Brooklyn due to coronavirus.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, New York’s Archbishop, was speaking to Pope Francis earlier April 14 and during that conversation, the Holy Father asked the Cardinal to express his condolences to Bishop DiMarzio, the families of the two priests, and the people of the Diocese of Brooklyn over the loss of their two beloved priests.

Pope Francis was referring to Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay, who died on March 27, 2020, and Father Gioacchino Basile, who died on April 4, 2020.

“On behalf of the Diocese of Brooklyn, I am humbled to have received prayers and condolences from our Holy Father, Pope Francis, on the deaths of two of our priests who have been lost to coronavirus,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

“As we continue to mourn the loss of Father Ortiz-Garay and Father Basile, it is comforting to know Pope Francis joins with us in solidarity. We are one church, and together the people of God will get through these most difficult times.”