According to WTVR, Bishop Walter Francis Sullivan, the former Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, passed away Tuesday.
He was recently diagnosed with inoperable and untreatable cancer.
They say he died Tuesday afternoon while in hospice care.
Bishop Sullivan was the 11th Bishop of Richmond, serving from 1974 to 2003. He retired to an honorary position after 29 years of service.
Click here to read more on WTVR.
Tim Kaine released the following statement on the death of Bishop Walter F. Sullivan, the longtime head of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond:
“Anne and I are saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Bishop Sullivan. Through fifty years of service at the Diocese of Richmond, including nearly thirty at its helm, he was a strong voice and a powerful example for the spirit of service and unity that makes our Commonwealth great. His commitment to those whom society too often ignored was an inspiration to me and many others who were fortunate to cross his path. Today, the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia are more welcoming, more inclusive, and stronger communities because of his work. That legacy will live on for many years to come.”
Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement, following news of the passing of Bishop Walter F. Sullivan.
“Bishop Sullivan was a man of tremendous faith with a true servant’s heart. He led the Catholic Diocese of Richmond for 29 years, touching many lives and always finding ways to bridge differences in his community and around the nation. Having visited with him many times I admired his love of life and passion to protect it, and his enthusiastic ministry to and advocacy for the poor. In this tough time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with the many, many individuals who knew him as a friend and mentor. Bishop Sullivan will be dearly missed.”
