MALACANANG on Wednesday extended its sympathies and condolences to the Catholic faithful following the death of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

"The Palace condoles with the Cebu faithful on the demise of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal this morning," Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

"We are thankful for the kind bishop's pastoral role of the Catholic faithful," he added.

Vidal, 86, reportedly died at 7:28 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18.

The cardinal was rushed to Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu City on October 11 after he experienced nausea and shortness of breath. He, later on, went into a coma.

Vidal was archbishop of Cebu for 29 years before he retired in 2011.

He was ordained deacon on September 24, 1955; a priest on March 17, 1956; and a bishop on November 30, 1971.

Abella said Vidal would be remembered, especially because he had a "friendly and cordial" relationship with President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The good cardinal paid a courtesy call to Malacanan shortly after PRRD assumed office and assured the Chief Executive of his fervent prayers for him and his administration," he added.(SunStar Philippines)